Tag: New Year

To Resolve, or Not to Resolve, That is the Question….

Yes, it’s January. Yes, it’s the New Year. So, yes, it seems like it’s the natural time to start making those pesky resolutions everyone seems to be talking about all around you; but, maybe not.

I, for one, believe setting a few goals for the New Year makes more sense than making a laundry list of resolutions that I know, from the get-go, I will not keep. So, how shall we go about this task?

First, keep it simple. Let’s not try to conquer the world. Start with a list of no more than a dozen (one a month average) goals.  Whittle that down to no more than eight (2/3 per month average) with six (1/2 per month average) being optimal to achieve for the entire year. That’s right, we’re talking about minimizing what’s on the list, not maximizing.

Second, prioritize your goals and establish your focus. As you achieve a goal, celebrate, then move onto the next goal quickly. The sense of accomplishment from each achievement will propel you forward with greater momentum as you move forward throughout the year. Some goals run concurrently such as saving money and losing weight because they’re not directly related. However, related goals need to be prioritized dependent on their relationship, e.g., achieving the goal of saving $2,000 for a down payment on a car comes before the goal of buying the car.

Third, give yourself a break if/when you stumble. Remember, having a bad day doesn’t mean you’re having a bad life so if/when your impulses get the better of you, feel free to reset your goal. Start over the next day.

It’s ok to believe in your ability to make your dreams a reality each and every day.

Happy New Year 2015!!!

Well,  it’s been about six months since my last (and first) entry here but a lot has happened. I know, excuses, excuses, but, really! A lot has happened! All of that aside (separation, moved twice, health scares, etc.), let’s attempt to get back on track with some inspiration, some craft ideas and maybe a gardening idea or something.

This first day of the year is always a day that fills me with feelings of gratitude – much more so than Thanksgiving does for many people. I think it is because I am always somewhat surprised (pleasantly so) to make it through to another New Year’s Day. Having said that, what am I grateful for besides just another chance at another new year? I am grateful for a beautiful family, wonderful friends, what health I have and the opportunities that come my way to enjoy this life.

Something I’m trying for the first time this year, and invite you to do the same, is a “gratitude jar.” I’m sure many of you have seen this idea shared on Facebook and other sites throughout the year. It’s really very simple; take a pretty jar (something you won’t mind having sitting out) and throughout the year, write down those precious moments when you feel thankful, grateful, humbled, and put those slips of paper in the jar. At the end of the year, gather with your friends and family to share those moments again by reading the papers together. Of course, if you need reminders throughout the year of the good times, the precious moments, feel free to dig in and have a reading session anytime the need arises. Just grab the jar, a good cup of coffee or tea and settle back in your favorite chair with the best reading material in town – your very own gratitude journal, compiled one day at a time!

Before I get away for the day, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the garden. This time of the year is so often a time when we ignore the garden. In fact, many of us downright avoid going anywhere near it! Remember, though, the garden needs love all year around so here are just a few things to think about concerning the garden in January: check any stored bulbs for sprouting or mildew, check the mulch around tender plantings and replenish as needed, review seed catalogs and start planning now, clean houseplants thoroughly and feed with slow-release fertilizer, and water trees and hardy outdoor plants if the season has been dry.

Happy New Year!!!