I try not to make resolutions at New Years - there seemed (for me, anyhow) to be a big push to accomplish something, which then became a little push and then the resolution was placed, neatly, back on the personal shelf... For many years now, I have been trying to set SMART (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time Oriented) goals for myself... and I usually try to set them to paper around my own "personal new year" - my birthday – which is in a little over a month’s time.
It ends up looking more like a “To Do” list, but that’s OK - I work better with lists (that I write out) anyhow. This year the list starts with things that will continue to make my home a place of safety, comfort and usefulness. The installation of a new front door, the installation of a wood stove, making the back and front yards into productive garden space (where the deer and bears will allow) growing (and then freezing, drying and canning) my own foods. I need to learn how to actually can foods, but that will be part of the process.
I have a new notebook/diary set aside for this. I have a red pen ready to start writing. I have a day off in front of me and I have coffee ready to drink. What a great way to look at my year ahead – setting my goals. Writing them down. Reviewing what is left from last year - modifying those ones as needed and adding them to this year’s list. Dates for completion are subject to change – it all depends on the supporting factors like time and money. And weather, and season, and availability of teachers.
As I have mentioned a number of times, I love lists, and one of the things I am planning to do today (a day off) is to start drafting up my 2012 "to do" list. That’s the great thing about having a whole year to work through the tasks (or change them or remove them and add new ones, as the work progresses) there’s a whole year ahead.
A whole year – one of potential and possibility – stretched out ahead of us.
I know a lot of people had a rough year in 2011. Parts of it were unpleasant for me too, I’m sure. The thing is, though, that in looking backwards at this year that just finished, the spots that are standing out for me are all good things. In May I welcomed a new Sister to my family. In July my Nephew joined us. September saw me starting a new full time job, learning new skills for work and taking possession of a new home. October saw me hit the 20-year mark at my place of employment and December saw my Nephew’s first Christmas – spent with two of his living Great-Grandparents.
So as I wrap up my own personal thoughts on the year just finished I am reminded, once again, of how much I have in my life to be thankful for, and just how blessed I truly am.
I look ahead to 2012 with happy anticipation.
With love across the waters,
