Beginning at the end of November I was hit with an extremely painful and unexpected health condition, and it affects every minute of my every day life to the greatest extent. Hence, I never got around to "Thanksgiving Part 2" or much that came after. So now, we are on the verge of 2012....
...and I, for one, CAN NOT WAIT. 2012 will bring some big changes to my life and I am ready to welcome them with open arms.
I don't like to set resolutions, I like to set goals. For me, a resolution just implies something you resolve to do, but it doesn't infer anything at all about the process. A goal is something that you need to actively work towards, and that is where the real joy comes from. When you've worked hard at something and achieved your goal, that feeling is unbeatable.
My goals for 2012 are simple:
#1. BE HEALTHY. For me, right now, the first step to this is simply to recover. In 2011 I've had two major health ailments that were both unexpected, could not have been prepared for or prevented, and they've taken a big toll on my body. I would like to recover. Then, I would like to maintain a measure of good health. This means, eating the right things to keep my body happy and strong, as well as exercising regularly. I have my eye on a program that I would like to join the second half of 2012 - it should be a fun exercise that will also hopefully become a much loved hobby for me.
#2. BE PRODUCTIVE. As opposed to being busy. This is something I've always struggled with. True, I get a lot accomplished just about every day, but my days really are mostly more busy than productive. [Refer to the amazing linked post...] Well, there's a lot I hope to get done in 2012, and I have all the tools needed to get me through. [Finally converted to an iPhone due to medical purposes, and now am loving this app and this app and this app, and how they help me get through my day-to-day.] I have three scheduled trips [NY, Maine, and China], I am finishing grad school, and I look forward to further developing my small business. In order to have a successful year and hopefully look back at the end of 2012 and see much progress, I will need to learn to be productive, 24/7.
#3. SIMPLIFY. This will help in both being healthy, and being productive. I've come to face the brutal truth that I simply have Too. Much. Junk. I hold on to things for sentimental value, and will do things like, buy another plain white t-shirt even though I already have 4 because, well, you just can't have too many white t's right?! Wrong. Having too much stuff is a constant distraction, and it also slows you down both physically and mentally. Besides getting rid of much of my non-essential objects, I also plan on being a much savvier shopper, streamlining my wardrobe, and creating a clean and healthy work environment - both room and studio.
Well, that's that! I'll be away the first week of January but hope to be back with some great posts and updates.
Hope you all stay happy and healthy into the new year and that 2012 brings much positive change into your lives!
[image via sillygrrl.com, a favorite blog where I constantly find inspiration]
