There’s No Moon Vacation, but There’s Hope
04 January 2010 | by Jen in Whatnot
Happy 2010!
2010: that sounds very fancy in a silver spacesuit, mission to Jupiter kind of way. Somehow it makes me feel more grown-up, and with that my perspective on a new year and all of its endless possibilities has changed. I’ve realized how fortunate it is to be able to start with the proverbial clean slate every 365 days and that I should take advantage of such a gift – one of new beginnings, the unknown, and wonderful and interesting things to come. Oh, and that fact that I turn 34 over the holiday break makes me feel a little bit more grown-up as well! I wasn’t in the mood to really celebrate my birthday as 34 sounds so much older than 33. (I did have out of town friends visiting and very much wanted to spend time with them so my birthday was just a good of a date as any to do so!) I certainly know that 34 isn’t old but it feels like a big enough change in my life that for the first time in a very long time, I’ve come up with some resolutions for the new year:
Prioritize:
I’m really bad at this – to me, everything on my to do list is high priority. So, many things don’t get done “in time” and I end up frustrated with myself. And anything I have left as a low priority surely never, ever gets done but still takes up space in my closet, my mind, etc. which is no fun either! I’ve already put this resolution into action this weekend: I went through a low priority item just to start to clear some space: altering and mending some vintage clothing so I can actually wear them! I also went through some high priority items like start on a project for work. So far so good!
Time management:
This is related to my first resolution. (Could my resolutions BE more boring? But I feel empowered writing these done nevertheless!) Like I was saying before, regarding how I spent my weekend, I was able to work on both low and high priority to-dos but I just had to give myself a reasonable amount of time to do them. I worked on sewing/repairs for the first part of Sunday and gave myself a stopping point of early evening; I didn’t let myself feel like I had to get all of it done and felt satisfied with what I had accomplished before I moved on to the next task. (Oftentimes in the past I would neglect to see all that I had finished and could only see the huge pile of clothes waiting in the wings!)
Relax, don’t stress! (And appreciate the little things more):
Sometimes I take things too seriously. I really think I’ve gotten better over the past year but I still find myself stressed out or anxious about things that I shouldn’t. Hee hee, perhaps resolutions 1 and 2 will help with this.
Make more of an effort in my everyday appearance:
I’ve always been a girlie-girl but I’m also lazy and work from home. I usually find myself wearing the same jeans or sundress throughout the week. And perhaps it’s because I’ve just turned 34, I feel like I look better if I at least put on some mascara before I go out! I know, it all sounds so very anti-feminist but I can be a strong and independent woman and still look good right? I recently tried pot eyeliner which is the best invention in make-up ever and making an effort can be that hard. (Thanks for the idea, Casey – I never would have considered the stuff if it weren’t for your blog!)
Create art for art’s sake:
I’m so goal-oriented it’s sometimes difficult to do something so it’s own sake, especially when it comes to something that means a lot to me personally. (This is me, again, taking things too seriously!) I hope to draw more this year and not get hung up on perfection, preconceived notions, etc. etc.
Spend more time with my friends (and make some new ones too):
I wonder how many of you experience this as well – As you get older and life gets more complicated, people move away, get married and have babies; careers advance, homes are bought and remodeled…you just don’t spend as much time with your friends? That core group of women (or guys) that got you through college and bad relationships, dead-end jobs and lots of other drama? Spending time with my friends always make me realize how much I miss them and the abundance of lazy days we used to spend together gossiping and just being silly. It can be hard to make room for that time but it seems more important than ever.
Wow, I better get busy! Hee hee, okay not really. I’m not supposed to stress, remember?
So, have you decided to make any resolutions this year?
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 12 Comments
Those are great resolutions, and I’m right there with you on the organize and prioritize.
Happy New Year
I think I struggle with some of the same things regarding priorities and organization as well as making time for friends. I find since I’ve had children and moved I’ve become quite a loner which I don’t terribly mind but I hope to make a few new friends where I live this year. I miss the interaction of being around other women but find as I’m older it’s harder to find people who I bond with.
And, there is absolutely nothing wrong with a little eyeliner. Quite like the fact that I dress up everyday even when I’m not going anywhere. I’m the one at home with the fancy dress or pretty sweater and skirt taking care of kids. I could never be the sweatpants girl.
xo
I’m totally with you on the everyday appearance goal.
If I dress dumpy, I feel and act that way. It doesn’t help that my hair is in that between stage from boy-short to long. A few more months till long. GAH!
Time for some new clothes shopping.
Happy New Year! Your resolutions sound great, this is the first year where I did not set any. Although making new friends does sound pretty good to me. My resolutions is to just go with the flow.
I also turned 34 over the holidays, go us!
Happy birthday & go Jen go! You can do it
Happy 2010!
I love your resolutions! Especially about creating art for art’s sake (something I don’t do nearly as much as I should anymore!), and the first three. I have problems with all of those too (perhaps it’s just the curse of us creative types?!). Somehow, time management, prioritizing and learning not to be so intensely serious about things, all stalk my steps. haha!
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, dear Jen!!!!!
dont stress! yup that’d be one of mine as well! but um just how does one do this i wonder?! let me know! i could use the advise!!!!!!
blessed new year to you
What good resolutions! I sit down with my journal and set goals every year but I haven’t even done that yet this year. Maybe this weekend! lol Have a good weekend!
Happy (belated) birthday and Happy New Year!
xo!
I resolved to live more deliberately and start a blog following that venture.
withloverosie.wordpress.com
Holy cow I can identify with so many of these – very inspiring!! xo
P.S. I see cat legs!!!!! Ahhhhhhhhh!!!