It’s that time of year again!  Happy New Year! As I sit here writing this post I am reflecting on the year gone by. I am thinking about what went well and what did not. After all, it’s time to come up with a new bucket list for 2017. But in order to do that, I must reflect on 2016. I had goals last January. I didn’t meet all of them, but all in all I did pretty well! Like I said last year, it’s hard to keep resolutions. But I find if they align with my values and what is important to me it’s easier to keep them.  Or at least not forget them. Let’s see how I did…

• Travel to two new places – I made it to one new place. Not bad.
• Refresh my foreign language skills – I did work on my Italian, but my goal of becoming fluent in two languages fell short.
• Visit a local museum – Hmmm.  I did not.
• Try a new local restaurant – This was an easy one. Mission accomplished!
• Hike a new trail – I did not hike a new trail, but I did hike the usual trails and I purchased a state park annual pass.
• Beef up my savings – I am excited to report that I saved as much money as I set out to save this year!!
• Learn one new piano piece – I picked a new piano piece. It is on my piano… waiting…
• Work on my photography skills – I joined a photography group!  That counts!
• Volunteer with a new organization – I found a project that I think is a worthy and interesting one. I hope they have a need for my skill set.
• Spend more time with family and friends – I spent a lot of time with family and friends this year.  And I plan to continue that this year.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

C. S. Lewis

So, what are my goals for 2017? What do I want to do? What is worthy of my time and aligns with my values? What furthers my personal growth? What makes me happy?  Here we go…

• Travel.  At least one destination should be a new one.
• Do something I’ve never done. Two years ago I went on a hot air balloon ride- something that was on my life bucket list. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had, for more than one reason. I don’t have a clue what I would do this year, but I’m sure I can come up with something.
• Continue learning Italian. And if I am finally conversational in Italian, start French.
• Save money. This goes hand in hand with appreciating the things and people in my life I already have. And embracing life’s simple pleasures. Practicing gratitude has helped me to appreciate that I already have everything I need. I still have a wish list. It’s just a little shorter these days! And in addition to material things it includes experiences and time spent with people.
• Learn that new piano piece! It took me a year to pick a piece and stare at it on the piano. At this rate I’ll have learned it by the time I’m 50. I think it’s time to pick up the pace.
• Pick up that camera and take some photos! Learn something from the very talented and knowledgeable folks in the photography group. And then post some of it here.
• Volunteer.
• Spend time with family and friends. This is a no-brainer. Nurturing these relationships will always be on my list.
• Spend more time outdoors. And take Sam with me. I can’t begin to describe the effect nature has on me. Listening to the wind blowing through the trees, taking a deep breath of salt air, or watching the way light dances across water calms me.  Instantly.
• Read more!  I have a list of over 20 books I want to read. It’s time to start chiseling away at that list.
• A big one this year is my household organization project. It’s a big one, not because of its importance on the list, but because it needs to be done – now! I’ve started a few purging and organizational projects and I need to finish them. I will not “embrace the mess.” It’s amazing how much of a mess getting rid of things makes.
• I’d like to write a daily letter to God. A friend told me about this. I’ve never thought about writing my prayers. But I like the idea!
• And of course I want to continue with the daily habits in my life that are good for me. Exercise and healthy eating have always been a part of my life. And in recent years I’ve started journaling again. These (and other habits) have a positive effect on my life. I’ll just keep doing all those things that make me happy.
• Every once in a while choose to do … nothing. That’s right. Do nothing and just be.  That rocking chair on a porch just sounds so appealing.

Wow! I’ve just written a pretty big list! I better start on it today….  after all, what better day to start than January 1!!  But most important for me this year is that I enjoy everything I set out to do. To slow down and make time for what is important to me. It’s not a race to put a check mark on a list, but to truly enjoy the moments. Whatever those moments may be.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

Lori

XOXO