I don't know about you, but I no longer make New Year's resolutions.
As a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, for me New Year's resolutions have become nothing more than a laundry list of unrealistic expectations. Whether they be standards that are impossible to live up to, too many bad habits that are ridiculously hard to change, or idealized goals that might exist in a perfect world (which is not the world I currently live in, by the way--do you?), I tend to set myself up for failure every year.
But that's just me. It's probably more of a reflection of where I am in my life (this is, after all, the year I will turn 50), and the cause-and-effect result of my increasingly vast wealth of experience with such things. As I'm sure you've noticed, however, there have been all kinds of resolutions floating around the Blogosphere this first week of 2013. Here are a few from one of my favorite blogs, Design Sponge, that really resonate with me. Check it:
In my case I might say, "Take more breaks from inspiring others." ;) While I adore my job as host of the Moxie Fab World and trends editor of Paper Crafts magazine, I don't spend nearly as much time creating for myself as I'd like. Now that my shoulder is nearly recovered, I'm hoping to be able to roll up my sleeves and dig into a personal project or three--or a dozen. And not just for this year, but for all the years that lie ahead.
Diana Yen from Jewels of New York
I don't know if you know this about me or not, but I really am a granola girl tree-hugger type at my heart's core. One of the reasons my husband and I moved to New Hampshire two years ago was to have even more convenient access to the outdoors than we had in Utah, which was quite a lot. I am pretty much always looking for a way to be outside. I've even noticed that when I go into a room and choose a seat, I always sit someplace where I can look out a window. And while I do tend to eat outdoors as much as I can, it will be even more often this year when we finish screening off our new hot tub porch. No more black flies or 'squitoes to ruin our dinners!
Since working is both fun AND relaxing to me, this one really struck a chord. I spend so much time in this little world of ours that, even though it's super fun, I do tend to let it take over my life (especially considering that I am only contracted to work part-time!) You might say that I am really lucky (?) in that I constantly struggle with maintaining a healthy work/life balance simply because I love what I do so very, very much.
One of the things I've been working on the most in the last few months is to live in the moment. I have been amazed to discover how many little worries fall away when I bring my full attention to the here and now. Food tastes better. I enjoy myself more. I am more engaged with the people around me. I feel less stress. And while you might think that always thinking ahead and multi-tasking is the key to efficiency, productivity, and ultimately happiness, I find it's quite the opposite. I have noticed that the more immersed I am in the here and now, the more satsifying--and productive--my life has become.
But if I were to make one resolution, or choose one "phrase" or "mantra" for myself for 2013, it would be this: Be kind to yourself, Cath. As I mentioned, I am a recovering perfectionist who is learning how not to be so hard on herself. How not to beat herself up so much. How not to include a judgment about herself at the end of nearly every thought that enters her mind. It isn't easy, as I've had plenty of years of practice, but if there were one thing I could do this year that would improve my life and those who are closest to me, it would be to treat myself kindly.
How about you? Do you make New Year's resolutions? Have you decided on a word, phrase, or mantra that defines your life best for 2013? I'd love to hear how the new year and its tendency towards reflection is inspiring you!
Thanks for indulging me in this very personal Five for Friday,
~Cath
PS And two more for the road:
Currie Person of Spartan Home and Beam & Anchor
Yeah, baby!
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52 comments:
I can definitely agree to most of what you said here CAth. I think it comes to us after we´ve hit the 50th birthday he he. I don´t believe in all the resolutions either, they´re never kept anyway, so for me I have only one word this year, and the word I´ve chosen is: DARE.
To DARE to do what I normally never would, to DARE to say whatever I mean anywhere and to anybody, to DARE to try things, I´ve never dared before, and not least to DARE to say no, if it´s something I don´t want or like. To DARE to just be me for a change and not whoever others wants me to be.
My mantra for this year is to remember that creativity lives in the kitchen and not just the craft room. I have been much too paper focussed these past two years and have neglected my other passion which is cooking and have done little other than regular meals. I want to finally crack homemade bread (the one thing I just can't make) and to use some of the 300 cookbooks than just sit on my shelves unloved and unused.
Get off the computer! While I love trawling around everyone's blogs and sucking up all the amazing creativity that's out there, I've found that I spend more time doing that than actually making cards. I also find that I get completely overwhelmed by all the new ideas that I gather from online and don't know where to start with my own creating. So this year I want to actually create more and not just collect ideas and inspiration.
Wonderful inspiring words Cath! I do not make resolutions, never have. All I do is wish for a better year than before!
Great inspirations and words for all of us to consider!
Love these, Cath. I don't make resolutions any more. I'm 56, and a perfectionist and an artsy fartsy free spirited lady. I do, however, try to set a goal or two...like this year: start using my paper scraps more AND use up my stash before buying a zillion more dollars worth of product. And, my personal favorite for the year, be mindful that the best things in life often take place during life's little interruptions.
I too enjoy what I do so much, I find it hard to stop and do something else. I have found that I give myself less and less reading time and I miss my books. I am trying to find time for reading again, and since I don't make resolutions I can only say that I plan to get off of the computer and out of my craft studio more often and spend time with my beloved books and hubby.
I'm with Jen W. in that I need to get off the computer where I see what everyone else is making, and get into my studio and create! And I want to do more exercise, and eat better.
My word this year is CALM
I have trouble staying CALM in certain situations and I'm gonna try to work on that---wish my luck
Well I also don't make resolutions. I am happy that I start to write my blog this year, I start craft with paper... I hope it will last in 2013.
Jen W. I have the same problem, and also get completely overwhelmed by all the new ideas and your wonderfull cards.
So let say less computer and a lot of creativity.
I don't make "New Years Resolutions" either! I call them "GOALS!" That seems easier!
THIS YEAR, I wrote on a 3x5 card what my goal was & posted it on my desk! It says this: My One Desire...That I will become more knowledgeable in the things of God, that I can help others, that I will be used of God, that I will be pleasing to God! It is based on "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after---" Psalm 27:4. So, I guess your last photo, fits my goal best! Spending MORE TIME with THE BOOK, THE BIBLE! :)
I've never made resolutions; just try to improve myself as best I can. That very last one: "less internet, more books" really hit me! I love to read, but it seems I'm on this computer much more than is healthy. Thanks, Kath!
I don't "do" resolutions either, Cath. But all of these are great things to keep in mind for this new year and always. Thanks for the great inspiration and good luck with all of these!
Great post.....I used to make resolutions, you know the same ones most make, loose weight, exercise, so this year I have a crazy one....buy more new paper craft stuff...now that one I can keep!!! I call them goals, my word would have to be "smile"...I get so tired of the people that are always doom and gloom, I call them Eyores...sooooo maybe if I smiled at them, they would smile back...sorry it's "me" old age that makes me this way...lol...have a great weekend!!
thank you for the beautiful insight as well as the reminders of what is truly important. just a lovely to the heart post, Cath! :)
I know exactly what you mean about the outdoors. I have come to understand about myself that I must be surrounded by trees and wildlife, somehow, someway. it is crucial to my soul.
I think my biggest goal is just going to be to embrace the moments I'm given - to fill them up to the brim with as much joy as I possibly can!
have a most glorious weekend! :)
Best New Years post ever. A lot of this I can relate to---I am happy to embrace my NOT perfect world this year resolution free. Just gonna take each day by the reigns and be the best person I can be. xo
Although I never make any official lists, my mantra for this year would be BALANCE. I need to create a better work-life balance, and then the rest will follow from there (I hope LOL).
Hi Cath! Happy New Year!
My word of the year is REJOICE!
We are a reflection of how we live our lives.
It's what the world sees.
And, how we live and what we project to the world comes back to us.
So I wIll REJOICE and strive to create a cycle of hope, joy, and love.
The photo that inspired me is my post here. http://www.inkandinspirations.com/2013/01/-holiday-catalog-last-chance-and-word-of-the-year-announcement.html
Peace and love to you in 2013!
Lisa
This was a great post to read! I am not making resolutions this year because I make them every year and then don't achieve them and feel even worse so this year I have a Word. My word for the year is "Nourish".
I also gave up resolutions a while back and now just try to set a few realistic goals for the year. This year I finally have a chance to go back to school AND it is the year I turn 60!! So this should be interesting :) Good luck with your "resolutions", Cath.
I don't really get into making resolutions. There are things that I want to try to do more or less of - craft more, surf the internet less - but that's just a daily battle that is quite unrelated to the new year. :)
Oh my! How fantastic. The be kind to yourself is something I often say to others but find it harder to do myself. I don't do resolutions- loved the one little word concept. This year I think it's two words - 'don't fear!' Thanks!
A thought-provoking (and so graphic0 kick off for the new year. Thanks, Cath! I have resolved to exercise before sitting down to craft and it's been working!
I am totally with you on resolutions, Cath. I gave them up long ago and like to pick a yearly mantra. Last year was "Live in Abundance" and this year is "More Love." Wishing you a happy new year of being kind to yourself :)
I like your message about being kind to oneself. I also did not think much by way of resolutions this year. I always break them and then feel guilty and beat myself up about them. I also like the message about being in the moment. I'm a worse case scenario kind of person. So my mind often wanders to that worse case and how to prepare for it just in case it happens. All it does is make me anxious, so this year I want to constantly remind myself to just be present in the moment I have right now. It's the only moment I have for sure.
Last year I set the goal to USE my crafty supplies regularly, not just collect pretty stamps & paper - starting a blog & entering challenges really helped me achieve it. Moxie Fab challenges are some of my favorites!
This year I really want to focus on balance for my family - we have a couple of teens that are only going to be in the house a few more years. Getting family time is harder than ever & I really don't want to look back & wish we'd done a few more things together.
My mantra - what can I do today to make your life better? On first read, this might not seem like this is about nourishing me, but it is. I love taking care of my family and I already see changes in the depth of our relationship.
What a great post, Cath. It's quite obvious you are a perfectionist as each post is indicative of your style. I rarely make New Year's resolutions either because it stresses me out. However, my one word this year is SIMPLIFY. Planning to declutter, organize and donate unused "stuff" in our house by sorting through closets, drawers and cupboards. Amen!
Nope, haven't made New Year's Resolutions for a whole lotta years now.
My one and only "quest" for each January 1st is:
"To be a better person than I was the year before and live each day to the fullest"
My one resolution is not to make resolutions!!!!! And to live by the old adage, "Be ye kind one to another"!!!!
Certainly an appropriate prayer request. And I too have been told to live in the moment. Life can be overwhelming.
My word for the year is Happy. I just want to be happy and all the goals in the world won't help me unless I help myself. :)
I am so with you there, being a perfectionist, I really need to try to be kind to myself!!!!
LOVE these!!! Thanks for so many tips and reminds me of what I need to focus on.
Aw! I wish I could write fancy!
Off the computer and onto the sofa with a book. Yep. And now, good night ;)
I love having a one word resolution! My word is "Balance." I want to balance work and play, time with friends and family, eating a balanced diet, etc.
I only make resolutions 'in my head' and don't usually tell anyone that I even did that...lol I completed the first one and working on the second which will take much longer. I love your ideas here and thinking will adopt some of them too. Best wishes or 2013!
I used to voice my resolutions louds and proud, write them down in little journals and on paper stuck to the fridge! Nowadays, it's kept in my head, unless a blogger from the crafty world asks me - like u just did! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and these great pics :) Happy New Year and take care of you!
Well, I look forward to seeing your craft projects in 2013, Cath!
Things I would like to continue doing, or do more of, this year:
1) Be Here Now - Your photo sums up why I don't own a cell phone. I see so many people on their devices while their kids are playing at the park, while eating lunch with someone (!!!), while at the museum, pretty much everywhere. I want to be present where ever I am.
2) Just Say Yes - Not with volunteering for things or being over-committed, but for things like trying the chef's special (especially if it's something I wouldn't typically order), helping my son plant seeds he picked out even though they don't "go" with my other plants, playing a board game with my son when he asks, etc. I started that a year or two ago and have really enjoyed the results so far.
Hi Cath,
I wonder if the perfectionist tendencies are a "teacher thing"? I seem to have suffered with this too and you know you can never find a day when you did "enough".
I love the last picture -- More Books, Less Internet. I would adopt this one as well as "More Time With Friends, Less Internet".
I can relate to so many of these resolutions around perfectionism, however I feel somewhat embarrassed to admit I am a lover of the great indoors--Maybe that's partly why papercrafts appeal to me so much. ;) Thanks for sharing your heart with us. :)
Jen W seems to have hit a chord in many of us and while I started getting off the computer more last year - I need to do that even more now as I also get overwhelmed. I start out with a creation in mind, but by the time I'm through browsing it's all mixed up with everyone else's creation! I too do not make New Year resolutions for all the reasons mentioned - but a couple of years ago I made a goal to get back to reading - something i love and had not done for a very long time. I'm happy to say, I'm still reading in the early hours of the morning and loving every bit of it - it seems to center me for the rest of the day.
Happy New Year to everyone!
Amen sister! Wanna join our Great Books club? I've resolved to keep up with my kids this year! I've become a huge Herman Melville fan lately!
I don't have a specific resolution, but a phrase I am inspiring to work on. We have several home projects planned so my goal this year is "a welcoming home".
What great inspiration. TFS.
So many inspirations, Cath! Thank you for sharing them :) I love the intention of being kinder to yourself - I try to be mindful of that myself. The world is full of critics - we don't need to join in. I have one resolution this year: to keep making Christmas cards throughout the year, rather than madly in November & December. Otherwise I don't put much emphasis on the New Year's part of resolution making - if I want to make a change I try to do it right away.
Great selection of resolutions! I definitely need to be kinder to myself . I love reading books and I spend too much time on the internet. A friend recently rang me and asked if I wanted to join a group of bush walkers - I'm thinking about it once my foot is better. My one resolution is to have balance in my life and exercise more because I am the least fit I have ever been, so more outdoors for me! I like Jessie's resolution to make Christmas cards all year. I also want to make myself use lists more, to save last minute panic!
Super post, Cath. I hope this year you can put down the computer and craft in your new screened-in porch (probably not while in a hot tub). I wish you a wonderful new year!
Thanks for such an honest and down to earth post. I've found that reflection is great but regrets are unnecessary baggage (if only I'd done X differently) and that change for the better doesn't have a timeline...it's called life. Hugs and best wishes in the new year!
P.S. I've found my 50's to be a time of greater self acceptance; may it be so for you as well.
I decided to "Enjoy each day" more fully...even each moment.
Cath, I love this post. I don't make resolutions anymore either. Over Christmas, as my family and I were discussing this topic, my sister, in a slip of the tongue referred to people who do make resolutions as revolutionists. I don't want a revolution in my own life. I want an acceptance of what is, with more grace and dignity and if it is within my power to change what I can change, to have the courage to act. Thank you for this!
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