This Year

Last week, I shared my two-word intentions for the new year in a blog post.  Those two-word intentions are really just place-holders for me . . . of more detailed goals or aspirations or hopes-and-dreams (or whatever-you-want-to-call-thems) I have for the year.

Today, Carole asks us to share our intentions for the year, so I'll provide some of the "backstory" for my two-word intentions.

Ten Things I Want to Accomplish This Year:

1. I want to go through All the Things and reduce-reuse-recycle.  Seriously, I'm in a PURGE mode!  I mean . . . What am I keeping some of this stuff FOR, exactly?  How did I come to have it in the first place?  What do I think I'll ever DO with it?  Do I need it?  That kind of thing.  I have just started reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying . . . and I say Let the Magic Begin!  (Maybe I'll even have a garage sale.)
2. I'm going to use what I have.  Yarn.  Art supplies.  Ingredients.  Lotions and potions.  Chapstick.  Pencils.  If I already have it, I'm going to use it.  Period.  (I'll save money, too.)
3. It's time for a little freshening up!  I've lived in my current house for 12 years now.  It is time for a little . . . rejuvenation.  Seriously . . . I hated that valance in the library when we moved in.  I really don't like it now!  I'm not talking about anything major, but a little moving-around and touching-up.  Maybe some new rugs and a curtain or two.  (And maybe some new windows and a new slider, but that's a whole other thing altogether.)
4. I want a labyrinth in the garden.   I haven't sprung this one on Tom quite yet . . . but we had to have a tree removed last fall (diplodia tip blight. . .)  so some space has opened up.  I love walking labyrinths, and I think we can incorporate a small one into our space.  (It'll give me something to ponder and plan, now that winter has returned.)  (And Tom loves to dig.)
5. (Okay.  Let's just all roll our eyes over this one. . .)  I want to become proficient with PhotoShop.  I know.  This has been on every goals-list I've put together for 6 years.  But this time . . . I mean it!  Sure.  I've already completed THREE PhotoShop classes (online AND in-person).  But this time, I'm committed.  (I'm not going to let LAYERS intimidate me again.)  (I mean it.)
6. I want to explore my creative side in a more intentional way.  I'm no artist, but I do feel like there's some untapped . . . expression . . . in there, ready to break through.  So I want to try some new things and take some artistic risk this year.  (I've even taken a huge step in making this happen.  More another day.)
7. I want to get back to strength training.  I've pretty much got the cardio-thing down when it comes to fitness.  I mean, I run regularly, I spin, and now that I'm not working (!) I'm back to my dance and kickboxing classes.  But . . . I've really let my strength training go.  I'm getting back to Pilates and I've discovered a new class at the gym called "Body Pump."  (Trendy as hell, sure.  But effective.  So there.)
8. I want to stitch more.  I say MORE ALABAMA CHANIN in 2015!  I love the AC shawl I made last year -- so much that I bought a new AC kit right before the holiday madness began (this time, a t-shirt).  I'm eager to begin.  You can bet that I won't leave this kit - untouched - in my closet for two years.  (Like the last one.)  I'm not intimidated anymore.  (And yesterday Vicki sent me a link to an AC project featuring grids.  I am giddy. . .)
9. I want to Go Someplace.  Actually, let's make that plural.  I want to Go Places!!  My sister and I are starting to get itchy again.  Tom casually mentioned Mexico last night. (I'm All In.) (Even though he wasn't talking about the two of us going to Mexico.) And I'd like to take some small trips, too (Pittsburgh to see Erin, local adventures with my Mom, Chicago with Tom).  (Who knows where I'll end up. . .)
10. I want to reach and grow and try some new things this year -- but I also want to settle in with the things I love best.  Hanging out with Tom.  Reading excellent books.  Digging in my garden. Knitting and stitching and creating.  Listening to music.  Enjoying poetry.  Sipping some wine.  And keeping up with friends!

How about YOU?  What are your intentions (or aspirations and goals) for the year?

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Comments

[Marilyn]

The word intentions is a much better word than resolutions...because we all know how resolutions usually turn out. At least for me!
Good luck with all of your intentions...they sound like a very good plan for a wonderful year. :)

[claudia]

If you need photo editing without layers, try Lightroom. I've really enjoyed it. However, for heavy-duty graphic design, Photoshop is it.

[Bonny]

I've only gotten my two-word general intentions so far this year, but I do love how you've translated yours into accomplishments and actions. I'm also reading Marie Kondo's book, and while I had to curtail my eye-rolling initially, she has helped me to clean/purge my garden shed and Christmas wrapping supplies already. Those old clay pots and wrinkled wrapping paper were not bringing me joy! I LOVE your #2 and can't wait to hear more about #6!

[karen]

I bought the same book - The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up - as well as one called Soul Spaces. One of my biggest goals is to make our home less cluttered, more peaceful.

[Donna]

Great intentions. I love the idea of the labyrinth. I'm anxious to see how that works for you. Happy New Year!

[Patty]

Travels east...Pittsburgh then maybe New England / New York??? And oh to sit and think in that labyrinth. We've certainly got some cross over, I know I just need to find the motivation!

[Vicki]

Can't wait to see how that labyrinth idea progresses. And travels... of course! And STITCHING!! :)

[margene]

A labyrinth would be a wonderful addition to your garden. I can see you using it regularly.
I've an AC T-shirt kit waiting for me and I'm very excited about it! Your list is so you. I know you'll accomplish it all.

[Carole]

Your list is perfectly lovely. If you're going places I hope you're heading my way! And Mexico! Oh!!

[Kwizgiver]

I had to follow your link for the two-word intentions and WOW! Those are great! Some inspiration there!

[Dianne]

A labyrinth would be seriously cool!

[Jo]

The thoughtfulness behind your intentions is inspiring. I love the idea of actually documenting what's behind intentions.

[Beth]

That's a great list! I'd love to know if the book helps you. I just looked through it on Amazon and it looks interesting. I like the author's point that most of us are not taught how to tidy things up.

I recently read an article in which the author was inspired to get rid of 1000 items in her home. She had interviewed a minimalist family and decided to try it. That's my current goal as well. My husband says I can get rid of 1000 items in the garage alone!

[Chloe]

I second the labyrinth idea.

[Mary]

Your garden is "my" garden...I love to watch it grow and that labyrinth idea sounds so cool. And the perfect manifestation of getting lost in your own backyard! That tidying up book is taking the country by storm - I'm not on board quite yet, so look forward to your take on it. (and yay for photoshop! I got the latest Elements on my new macbook and it's so pretty and easy to use)