I'm not necessarily a big believer in resolutions, but I like choosing things to focus upon. It seems to me that when my thoughts and dreams and activities keep circling the same drain, something usually happens. Maybe not exactly what I'd hoped, but something.
January of last year, because of a friend's list, I wrote down 13 resolutions with the addendum that I'd be happy if I did any of them. Well, I've achieved one,slightly differently of course, but more awesome-ly, than hoped. I've made varying amounts of progress on 6 or 7 more, depending on how generous I am. They're not checked off, for sure, but I'm feeling okay. And that, for me, is what this time of year's about. The resolutions or goals are a road map (with no copyright traps!), and it's fun to imagine arriving at some glorious destination, but the side trips and traveling companions are just as important in the end, maybe moreso.
I received by e-mail a list of guidelines to making New Year's resolutions, and I really liked a few of these by Dr. Michelle May:
- Consider Your Values. What is truly important to you--family, health, career, achievement, contribution, spiritual growth? When you are clear on what really matters, you'll willingly invest your valuable time and energy pursuing meaningful goals that are congruent with your principles and values.
- Be Inspired. Your goals should act like a magnet that
draws you toward them. (Hint: If you are repelled by the
thought of working toward a particular resolution, start
over with a new goal that excites and challenges you.) Go
for the shiver-factor: If the thought of achieving your
goal gives you a little shiver of excitement, you're on the
right track.
- Be flexible and creative... Obstacles
and detours are a natural part of change and provide
important learning opportunities. When you are patient and
gentle with yourself, you'll discover creative solutions
that help you grow beyond anything you could have imagined.
As a closing item of this year's business, I know I and at least two other WOM sent our manuscripts in to the MWA First Novel Competition. Sure, I'd love to be published, but I'd even be delighted with nearby coattails. I like seeding the future with possibilities, even if they're long shots, and that's one thing I do p
lan to do in 2008: create work that gives me more chances to be rejected, since they're also the only way to get accepted. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.So, enough of the horrible, destined-to-fail Shoulds, what thrills you?
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7 comments:
I was going to wish you a Happy New Year and a hearty hope you find your nut but that seems wrong.
So instead I'll just say hope the New year is all all you want it to be. And that goes dfor the rest of you fine ladies of Women of Mystery.
I don't make resolutions because I feel guilty when I don't fulfill them.
That said, this January 1 is a time I will be making some changes:
1) I started back at Weight Watchers this past week. In the five months I've been ill with whatever is wrong, I have put on 25 pounds. I don't have a "goal weight" or anything, but the *structure* of going to meetings once a week helps me keep a handle on the weight aspect of my health.
2) I also want to set a once-a-week (or more) writing meeting with someone...any takers? Again, it's just to add structure. Since I work from home, it's hard for me to focus without some kind of "event" to hang onto.
So I guess additional structure is the main goal...though really, it's just a means to the end of having a more productive year!
Is that a hint, Laura?
I wouldn't mind meeting, and the "regular" at the Greek place is mighty tasty... I used to WW. I'm sure we can figure the points.
Travis- thanks for leaving my metaphorical nuts out of it, but many Filbertastic returns to you and your'uns.
I've already figured my "regular" at about 20 points, if you include the soda but not the pita, which I rarely eat. I can live with that.
Pick a day, any day.
Nutty resolutions are fine with me.
I made - and consumed - a good quantity of peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies this Christmas. YUM! - made them in a nice pan, using chunky Skippy PB as the base for the batter. The chocolate chips scattered evenly throughout the mix. The cookies were so good that I hereby resolve to avoid making any more of them until Christmas of this new year.
That resolution has a remote possibility of success, and it's as close as I'll ever come to having my diet become part of any future resolution.
Maybe I should go have one of the remainders to celebrate my good intentions!
Interesting way of putting it...the 'shiver-factor.' I was offered that advice about 7 years ago (sort of Jungian, right?) and found myself steered into taking writing seriously. Shiver is apt; helps identify not only what matters but also what frightens. Sometimes those two overlap.
Nan- Should your resolution make MY mouth water?
Lois- I remember some years ago- don't know if it was 7 : ) - just the thought of being able to call myself a writer gave me the quivers. Now, I think I've gotten comfortable (if not successful) with that as an identity (good), so it's time to choose a new, scary cliff.
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