Tuesday, December 28, 2010

2011 Intentions

One of the creative dynamos I admire is Nikol, sometimes known as "Thrifty Knitter" and founder of Yarn School. Who else but she could buy some old forgotten school buildings in the middle of rural Kansas and turn it into a creative mecca for artists of all kinds, including fiber artists and musicians? That would be her!

Anyhow, each year, Nikol creates what she calls an Uber List for the year - and as best I can determine, this is a list of things she wants to accomplish throughout the upcoming year. The list isn't exactly a set of New Year's Resolutions, but seems to fall somewhere on the borderline of yearly goal setting and practical annual "to do" list - a super-duper list or as she says "Uber List." Adapting this format for myself, I want to set intentions to get OUT of the passive mindset and spring into action to create a more interesting and fulfilling life.

So here are my beginning plans, and I'll be adding items throughout the year as I get an in-depth vision of where things are going and where they NEED to go. A lot of things are very fluid right now and need to stay that way - but they need to be moving in the right direction.

De-junking and decluttering: For every new clothing item I bring into the house, give away at least one item, to a thrift store, charity shop or whatever. Same thing with yarn and books. Instead of buying magazines, read them online or download the patterns. (Exception: This does not apply to Spin-Off - which I always treasure, save and pour over again and again). Organize yarn room and fiber storage closets. Destash what I no longer love.

Artist's Way is the Way - write Morning Pages to start journaling again on paper. More importantly, once a week, go on an "Artist's Date" where I explore new activities that are fun, creative and unique - that spark my soul. Find weekly soul-enriching activities that can help me emotionally, creatively and spiritually recharge.

Become a Mentor for my daughter and move out of the Parent with a capital "P" mode.

Spend more time with people and less time online. Since getting my very own "smart phone" recently, I can see why the masses have become attached to these things - and why I sometimes see people texting other online people in the ethers, while ignoring the In Real Life people sitting right in front of them. Thank goodness I am not on Facebook, what a time sink that is, right? Ah hem, but honestly, my personal addiction is Ravelry and it's getting out of hand. Though it's a great online tool and database, it has become an emotional pacifier. Nuff said.

Follow Weight Watchers new program, or whatever method works for me to get about 1,200 calories a day until I reach a healthy weight. Don't just rely on frozen meals as I did before on Jenny Craig, but really learn to cook healthy and frugally. Eat at home and at the dinner table, with family time - to talk, share and nurture one another instead of eating constantly at restaurants or in different rooms in front of the TV.

Consistently exercise each and every day. This is for both physical and mental health. If joining a gym doesn't work out, then find a weight bearing and stretching routine that I can do at home, and develop a routine that I can do consistently. I did really well exercising last year on the treadmill - keep this up but expand to some weight-bearing and stretching exercise as well.

Take a vacation - a real "couples" vacation with my sweetheart. A significant vacation and really UNWIND and reconnect with him. This one is already in the works, and I hope we get to take several mini getaways throughout the year.

Wear my pedometer every day. Aim to walk 10,000 steps per day. I seem to be much more active and fit when I do this.

Watch my language - speak less and act more. Avoid gossip, backstabbing and careless use of speech. Hurtful putdowns, sarcasm and bad tone of voice should be recognized for the poison that it is. Kind speech and thoughts lead to kind and gentle actions. Strive to be "soft centered."

Happy New Year everyone!

5 comments:

Janel Laidman said...

Hey Chelle,
I had to check out your resolutions too. Good list, a few of those are on my list too this year, but I'm keeping it fluid with the one-word thing. Now that I know where you are, I'll check in more often!

Elysbeth said...

Wow! You are really on track this year. Makes my little list of goals seem piddly.

While you're playing with IRL people...don't forget ALL your imaginary friends - like ME!

Dorothy said...

All of your goals are admirable! I think I may "steal" a few for my own goal setting. I've already started dejunking. I can so identify with the magazines! That is my downfall and I've already started going through them and tearing out patterns I want and recycling the rest. It's pretty liberating! I'll be checking in on a regular basis for encouragement.

ChelleC said...

General comment to everyone about the more detailed Resolutions: Well yes, I often in years past have had just a word to guide me, and in some years, this has sufficed.

But I had such a rough 2010 and felt that in many ways, I lacked self as well as external direction-so I felt that as I plan for a more successful 2011, I could use more specifics.

Yes Dorothy and anyone else- feel free to use any one of the resolutions that will work for you too! By all means.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Chelle! LOVE your new approach to reinventing your life. Parent to mentor, can't wait to read how you implement that one. I was the "mother that begins with s -- smother" until I focused lots of intention, and prayer, on that one.
It's a wonderful time to look at our lives and embellish the good while we diminish the rest.
Peace!
Your Ravelry friend, Martha