In 2006, I made two short lists on the first day of the year. Some might have called them resolutions, intentions, aspirations or longings; I called them hopes. Two years later, I still have many of the same hopes, and have a couple to add to each list. I have high hopes for 2008.
In 2008, I hope to have in my life more:
- Family: Playtime with Paul, visits with our extended family, and fostering/adopting a child.
- Community: Reconnecting with old friends, building new friendships, finding a spiritual community.
- Music: Playing my violin, singing, attending concerts.
- Movement: Dancing, walking, perhaps getting back to a gym.
- Writing: Not only blogging, but getting back to work on the book I began in my writing class three years ago.
- Flexibility: Physical, mental and emotional; the yoga class that I’m starting next week is the first step.
- Gardening: Growing some of our food… and not having the messiest yard on the block.
- Contentment: Will this follow from acting on these two lists?
In 2008, I hope to have in my life less:
- Stress: Much of my stress last year was work-related. I’m hoping for less stress at the new job I start next month.
- Weight: The issue of fitness aside, I weigh more than is healthy.
- Inaction/hesitation: I’m not getting any younger; it’s time to go after the things that I want in my life.
- Stuff: If I don’t need it or use it, why have it? Freecycle is my friend…
- Television: I’ve often used TV to numb out. I’d like to stop doing that.
- Driving: Selling my car, and taking the bus or walking, will be better both for me and for the planet.
- Sadness: I may not be able to control events that sadden me, but I can hope for fewer of them, can’t I?
- Fear: That’s what therapy’s for…
May all your hopes for 2008 be realized.
Tags: 8 Comments
8 responses so far ↓
Happy New Year to you! The best of luck in achieving all of your goals.
PS. The cats have informed me that the only reason they can fathom not being on either of your lists is that you must believe they are perfect already!
What a lovely twist to the idea of new year resolutions. May you have more of more and less of less in 2008. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you! And those two lists–lovely! I should make those, too.
A great approach to ‘08! We will be pulling for you!
I hope all your 2008 dreams come true! Happy New Year.
I love the format. It seems so much more positive and likely to work than traditional resolutions. I’ll have to consider my own lists.
A belated happy new year. I’m full of admiration for your resolutions - a fine list. A hint for 2009 - make our resolutions in secret in September after the summer holidays:
Why?
1. you’re in form after the summer holidays - so that cuts the list down by at least two or three counts.
2.nobody knows you’ve made the list - so less stress in keeping to it.
3. the days are longer - more time to accomplish the bits involving the outdoors.
4.by the time the new year arrives you’ve done everything on the list so you can sit in front of the telly and eat large amounts of chocolate whilst it rains without the slightest problem of guilt.
Whatever, have a good one.
It sounds like you have someone to provide for you, while you fulfill your hopes. Lucky you.