It's funny how often we try to reinvent ourselves when we put a fresh new calendar up on the wall. Humans have a remarkable sense of renewal - lots of blank pages on which to start anew.
We also have a remarkable ability to not change the things we think we want to change because a day or date we have identified as suitable for a fresh start is coming up - 'the diet starts Monday so it is just FINE if I eat this giant plate of food I know I shouldn't eat today' mentality.
When I was still in the classroom teaching one of my favourite tasks on the first day back after Christmas vacation was to have my students develop New Year's Resolutions for a pet or a celebrity. It was a great writing activity and they always came up with so many fascinating things. We'd end up developing a class book which all of the resolutions listed, beautifully illustrated, it was always a choice item in the class library.
I could use some of that natural creativity as I think about what I'd like to accomplish in 2012.
For many people 2011 was a horrid year of uncertainty and turmoil. We are expecting a bit of that as Paul's employer is closing at some point in the year. On the flip side, it will also be the first full year in 6 where I wasn't coordinator at work - a thankless job that came with much stress and little additional compensation. I will enjoy having time to explore some of my own professional passions at work for a change.
Good and bad.
The task of thin king about what needs to change in 2012 is made more complex by the fact that we lead relatively full lives. We have interests, we have passion for life, and we live it. That being said, there are always things that one can, should really, change up a bit from time to time.
So what would I like to accomplish in 2012?
As I look around the den I am struck with the amount of clutter there - old magazines, books, papers. Things I never look at any more but could at some point in the future. In 2012 I'd like to de-clutter, not just the den but the house.
We keep bringing more stuff into the house but we rarely get rid of stuff. While we don't have a huge house (by North American standards . . . in the rest of the world a small village could live in the structure) it is certainly large enough for the two of us but if we don't deal with all of this stuff we may need to move into something larger.
There, the first thing I would like to accomplish in 2012 is to de-clutter our house. Better order a dumpster.
I suspect 2012 will be a year I start to get in tune with my health. I subscribe to the 'head in the sand' mentality believing that if you don't know something in wrong than everything is just fine. Remember playing peek-a-boo? That is me with my health.
I have my first physical in YEARS (lots and lots and lost of years) next week (who the hell schedules a physical a week after Christmas break? ARGH) and I am anticipating all sorts of things that will come as a result of that. As I approach 50 I realize that it's a bit late to start thinking about preventative maintenance but sure is not too late!
Notice I'm not saying - I want to exercise more and lose weight. Those trite statements are a given - like a beauty contest contestant saying 'I'd like world peace'.
In tune with my health - whatever that means.
Over the past few years we have been thinking more locally when it comes to our food. Sure it's hard here in Canada in the depths of winter and the only thing local is a pile of dirty snow but for much of the year there is good locally produced foods available.
We have been seeking local producers - be they wine makers, cheese makers, bakers, or farmers - as a part of our 'eat local' quest. I'd really like to focus more on this over the coming year. I'd like to support local food producers. Hell, I'd like to celebrate them! I'd like to eat more fresh, seasonal food. I'd like to reduce the environmental footprint of the food that we eat.
I'd like to get out more.
By our very natures, we are homebodies and can become quite sedentary, particularly in the winter. Last year we made a point of getting out, doing some hiking, exploring our area. I'd like for this to continue this year. We are members of a major art gallery in the area but we rarely visit. It's time to take advantage of the wonderful things that are available in our area.
So there you have it - de-clutter, be more in tune with my health, eat locally (and celebrate local food producers), and get out more. My goals for 2012.
Bravo~
I would like world peace.
Posted by: sandi @the whistlestop cafe | January 02, 2012 at 04:40 PM
All good things to be getting in hand, I need to jot a couple of these down and paste up on the refrigerator as a reminder! After 20 years in this house we have decided to downsize now that the boys are gone and today we began the process of decluttering for downsizing, yikes. We started with the Christmas decor...went from 20 boxes (don't gasp, breathe!) down to 9...I consider that progress. I love your writing assignments past for the NYresolutions for pet or celeb, very clever. I think my biggest resolution this year is to try to get things in hand re Alex and stay on top of things better. I was hoping to include Flavors again, not sure...but sure enjoying all of the posts you are all doing! Happy New Year to you and Paul.
Posted by: Kayte | January 02, 2012 at 08:01 PM
They sound like good goals, Jerry! I need to make them my goals too. Happy 2012!
Posted by: nancyhol | January 03, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Wouldn't we all Sandi. LOL
Downsizing is hard Kayte. I managed to toss out more than 100 magazines the otehr day. Paul, who does the garbage, was NOT impressed.
Happy New Year to you as well Nancy! We're looking forward to seeing you in February.
Posted by: JDeQ | January 07, 2012 at 05:45 AM