like golden hues
carrying magic
that is only felt
when all comes to an end."
There are only 24 more days in the year 2015.
As I sit here, pondering what that really means, I am a little apprehensive. Unlike 2014, I am not in a hurry to move forward. I want to appreciate every beautiful waking moment in this year and give thanks to God for all of my blessings.
Oh, and they are many!
2015 has shaped up to be one spectacular win! My pie of life is basically full, and has remained so for quite some time.
A new year can bring a wide variety of adventures, and I am currently trying to decide what my theme will be. Last year it was "to Live." And I did. I took time away from my writing to actually go out there and live. I discovered that my writing was suffering because, whether I like it or not, nothing was really happening worth writing about.
I've kept a quote on my desk ever since I started working in television over 20 years ago:
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. ~ Benjamin Franklin
I decided it was time to figure out what was going on out in the world and I filled my soul with all of the good I possibly could.
Now... what is going to be the theme of 2016? I think in order to continue this journey, I need to look at years past.
Back in 2011, I wrote in one blog post:
I think if I find balance I will end up living more authentically and not allowing my high emotions to rule my life. I swear, the older I get - the more "emotional" I get.. something that was unheard of as a child. Lately I wear my heart on my sleeve, and even though it has made me kinder in certain arenas, the truth is - I need a little shell of armour. With that.. balance. I can still be me, yet create that sense of calm that is needed.
I saw a painting recently that read "Keep Calm and Carry On."
With balance... I can do just that.
I went on to list the following New Year's Resolutions:
Nicole's New Year's Resolutions for 2011
1. Most important one of the year - practice Trust. I will
make a promise to myself to learn to be more trusting of the process, of
advice, of the universe.
2. Get back into my exercise routine at the Y. Head back to
my Body Jam and Zumba classes. *Perhaps talk to my personal trainer about
weights 2 x a week (start that one in Feb.) Did it!
3. Find
a few free lance writing projects. Did it! (Well.. it would take a few years. 2014 to be exact)
4. Study arabic at least once a week. Did it!
5. Pray daily. Did it!
6. Continue to write daily on my blog.
7. Reopen my personal journal (leather book here) and begin
the more personal items for private writing.
8. Declutter - sell my dining room furniture, the twin bed,
and the desk. Donate items in storage. Did it!
9. Stick to my Mediterranean diet plan the cardiologist gave
me. Working on it!
10. Find a new volunteer opportunity. Did it!
11. Show compassion. (Better yet, learn to be
compassionate.) Doing it!
12. Listen more.
13. Turn my sunroom into a ZEN room. Practice meditation. Did it!
In 2012, I took a different approach. One blog post said:
New Years Resolution?
Growth.
Authentic Living.
Allowing myself to seek absolute happiness.
Those are some pretty tall orders, and just 4 months before my divorce. Who knew? But then again, I did achieve those BY divorcing my egyptian.
In 2013, I wrote:
2013:
At the end of the day, it was a good year. Yes, I got divorced. But that's not exactly a bad thing. (It's not a good thing either.) However, we all know it was necessary. Yes, I lost a few friends (as in death,) and that's always tragic. But I also believe they have served their purpose on earth and it was time to move on. I stayed fairly healthy, no major concerns. I met a new guy and things are going well. My social life is full, my family life is good, and all of my needs are met.
Then at the end of 2014, I wrote this:
What it boiled down to was that I just don't care about the things I once did. It is not that these things aren't important, it is just that I don't feel the need to be the one to make these changes happen. I don't have to say yes to every committee, or even every board request. I can pick one or two projects within my community and concentrate on quality versus quantity. Which lead me to the word balance.
And finally, I did find one more listed New Year's list. It was from 2013:
I, Shauna Nicole Thurston, do solemnly resolve to do the following in 2014:
1. I have a blue jar. Next to the blue jar I will have a post it note pad and pen. Each night, before bed, I will write one thing that was simply amazing about the day. I will then fold the piece of paper and place it in my jar. On New Year's Eve of 2014, I will read each one and realize what an amazing year it was! This jar will have to be by my bed. I understand that I may not always be home, but I will try to remember to bring a post it note pad with me wherever I travel.
**did not happen**
2. Rosetta Stone. Picking it back up. Even if it is only one day a week - I will study my French.
Did it, want to do again.
3. Ballroom Dance classes start back in mid-January. I bought ballroom dance shoes. I am so ready to commit to more classes!
Did it, want to do again.
4. Yoga. I have all of the gear I need and some good DVDs. I would like to try and practice at least once a week. (Now it's time to purchase a new DVD player.)
Did it.
5. I have a whole three book course on living a more creative life. I would like to actually follow the books and try some of the tips. Who knows what will come from it!
Never finished
6. Mass. I want to be more regular with my attendance to mass. Also, I have signed up for the Adoration Chapel every Wednesday night from 9-10pm. Should be a nice time to meditate. Mid-week.
Did not do it. Boo.
7. Drink more water. Eat more fruit. Eat more veggies. It's simple, really.
Totally rocking it!
8. Take a pottery class.
Did it. Never will again.
9. Cook more.
Did it
10. Take a photography class.
Still on my list
11. Purchase a bike, a helmet, and get a bike rack installed.
Still on my list
12. Unplug daily. This is a BIG one for me. I have a plan to disconnect in 2014. It's going to be awesome! (Don't worry.. I'll blog, just won't be online "playing" as much.)'
Totally doing it
13. Conquering clutter. I plan to simplify even more.
Eh...
14. Start saving the old fashioned way. I plan to budget with cash. (What a concept?!) I will get a small safe and have envelopes and mark them and budget accordingly. Once that "topic" is empty.. that's all I have!
Umm..
15. Take a gun safety course. Purchase pepper spray. I work on a fairly deserted corner of downtown, and sometimes leave work late. It's time to arm.
I think I will pass.
16. Prioritize Sleep. Take naps. Rest. Rest. Rest.
Did it
17. I'm going to attempt to kick the diet soda habit. I typically only order them when I go out to eat, or maybe pick up one a day, however it's time to stop it once and for all.
Umm..
18. Quit saying I'm sorry.
Hmmm.. Sorry, it did not happen.
19. Do one pampering thing a month for myself (facial, massage, etc.)
Yep.
20. Finally, to Pray more.
Work in progress.
Simple as that.
So now what? Where do I go? What do I plan to do?
Decisions.. Decisions..
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