I've always thought resolutions at the beginning of a new year to be a bit of a crock. IMHO one can't save resolve for a date on a calendar. True resolve comes in that moment when you just know, that you have to make a change. That moment when you know things can not stay the same, with out damaging your soul.
The new year is a great time for stock taking, for thinking of what is and is not working in your life, and what steps you can and should take to implement change. If that leads to resolve, instead of tagging it a new year resolution, call it a life goal, and set up a S.M.A.R.T. action plan
Reflecting on my 2014, I see areas for celebration, and areas for action, here are few...
I've had an amazing year professionally, definitely the best year yet, with I hope more of the same to come. I've developed some excellent habits which I intend to maintain, like arranging my schedule so that I can spend the first part of most every day, which is when I'm at my most creative, in my studio.
On the personal front, I've lost 40 pounds, again with the help of good habits I intend to maintain.
Some of last years family issues have been solved, but others have gotten worse, so I will need to remain every vigilant against my tendency to worry about things I cannot change.
I've let my own newsletter slide, I've sent so much time advertising for our wonderful Art Emporium that I've forgotten about myself so I need to get back to a monthly publication.
My goal to step back a bit from guild/committee work was harder to keep than I though, and I am still more involved than I should be, but that is my nature, and an ongoing struggle. I'm still trying to learn to sit on my hands.
All in all Desiderata -I have a copy on my studio wall- still rings true for me, and remains for me words to live by:
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann c.1920
Have your best year yet, happy 2015
Robin
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