Monday, December 31, 2007

Looking Back, Looking Forward and Fine Tuning My Game Plan

I am taking notes, getting sparked, finding motivation and feeling ready to clear out the junk that impedes progress, health, creativity and joy. Inspiration is all over, and I am really excited about the new year... whether it began yesterday or starts first thing after midnight tonight. The best part is that I have an internalized drive to shake things-up, re-shape myself, and make things better... not perfect, just better. And hopefully by making these public declarations and really committing out loud to resolutions I will stay committed. I also hope to make the most of the support and encouragement of my friends... so many of us seem to be in similar states of thought and action.

Before I totally discard my former self, I am going to follow Marisa'a lead: She's made a list of ten accomplishments she is glad to have made, and she is inviting others to make their own lists and post them before the new year. I have been thinking about my accomplishments, the things I have done in my lifetime, and one thing I have concluded is that there is no need to completely discard Me... there's some righteous stuff in my composition.
In no particular order... 10 Things I have Done
1. Survived kidney disease.
2. Gave birth to 4 wonderful children.
3. Found, lost, reclaimed the love of my life. It's still a joy.
4. Jumped from The Clam... 3 times!
5. Rapelled in total darkness from Stonewall Peak. In the dark. At night. First time ever. It still freaks me out.
6. Drove an RV from California to Wisconsin, and back! (Ruth and Corm can put this on their list too.)
7. Made quilt(s)... fulfillment of a dream.
8. Brought home chickens... fulfillment of another dream.
9. Every road trip, train trip and our 2000 family cruise
10. Backpacking in the Sierras with family friends when I was 14.


Now, I want to look ahead and think about what else I can accomplish. Kim is making big plans too and I like her thoughts about "habits." Uh-huh. I need to lose some habits and let some good habits take hold of me. And though I squirm and whine at the thought, I know this means introducing myself to Discipline. Hello Discipline. My name is Natalie. I'm flakey, and half-bakey, and I really need you in my life. My new habits will include (again, in public, so I humiliate myself into action:) Exercise, delegating house work, learning new skills, managing my time, spending less, eating less, whining less. That's it, more or less.

Wait! One more thing! I also want to Create in 2008! Tami's Motto for the new year is an awesome one and I totally agree that this year must be dedicated to creativity. And I love how she has incorporated her list of new habits with her creative goals. She has a list of Actions and Benefits, and it's good to see how seemingly unrelated habits, like exercise, actually benefit our creative goals. Very Inspiring! I really want to join her, and I want to make my interests a more respected and intrinsic part of my life... not that Me is the only topic of interest for the new year, but I feel a bit like Jennifer. I want to be a better person in 2008 too. I think it's because I know I am a role model, and if I can make myself better and feel better, then I will have more to offer my children, my husband, my community. The world is looking so hurt and bleak and I can't turn it around by myself, so I will be a teeny-tiny ripple and I hope it can grow and grow, and turn the tide.


This guy is making repairs on a ginormous balloon... it's a ride at The Wild Animal Park. One rope at a time he is ensuring that the balloon is secure and safe. A lot of people are counting on him. His job is probably daunting, a bit unnerving, sometimes tedious, maybe fun? Some people like heights and challenges. I bet it takes a long time to check every segment, to keep track of all those lines. Maybe by the time he is finished, it's really only time to begin again.

Now it's time for me to begin again. I don't know if I will get it right, but I am going to keep trying. Happy New Year! I wish you success. I wish you the will to keep on trying!

11 comments:

calamitykim said...

Hello Discipline! That's so funny! I am flakey and half bakey too. I love you.
Happy New Year.
Love the pictures.
Brilliant analogy.
Rock it sistah

Joan said...

Natalie--I love your thoughts in this post. Sometimes I forget about my accomplishments in light of things I haven't done or things that need to get done. I think I'm finally starting to realize that mentally beating myself up about my shortcomings etc changes absolutely nothing--except for making me miserable. That makes creativity nearly impossible too. So hear's to better things all around--thank you, Natalie.
Joan

Anna Banana said...

Hola Chica! Part of pacing myself is to fire up the computer only 3 times a day. Isn't that funny? See you in the blogosphere and beyond! Happy new year to you too~

village mama said...

Happy New Year!

What helped me accomplish many great things this past year 07 was subscribing to newsletters and daily quote sources like Bob Proctor and http://www.robinsharma.com/

Wishing you a life where every moment is something to be grateful for.

Jennifer said...

What a terrific list of accomplishments -- so much to be proud of, and such a great path you're carving ahead of you. Amazing photos, too --

Marisa said...

Natalie, your list is seriously awesome. I'm so happy to read it. It's an amazing way to learn more about you, and you've done quite a lot! Happy 2008!

Tracy said...

Your list was inspirational, Natalie! And so is your enthusiasm for the New Year! I've been sparked by Kim's post too--here's to creating and making in 2008 :o) I wish you JOY every step of your journey to fulfilling your heart's delights this year. May love and Joy crown all your day! ((HUGS))

village mama said...

One more thing I wanted to share with you:

http://www.robinsharma.com/work_life_balance_report_ic_136.htm


I printed it out last January, taped it to the cover of my agenda book, and read it over and over and it works! Today I'm going to print it out again and tape it to my 2008 agenda book.

nikkipolani said...

Hey Natalie, I want you to know that you are wrong. Way wrong. You are NOT a little ripple; you are a big wave. Happy new year, friend!

Rising Rainbow said...

I couldn't imagine what those pictures were. I knew if must be some kind of balloon but could figure out "what" with the thing. lol

tea time and roses said...

Happy New Year!!!

Smiles...

Beverly