I love January. Life seems more relaxed and happy than usual. Maybe it's the sunshine topping up our vitamin D levels. Maybe it's the fresh berries, the ripe tomatoes, the tennis, the festivals, the barbecues, the long evenings. For me, it's all of those things, and I think it's also about having a fresh, shiny, new year laid out before us.
What's not to love about drawing a line under the year that was, and seizing the opportunity to declare our positive intentions for the new year? Resolutions are not something I've ever taken seriously. Every year I have a vague thought - usually around the theme of weight loss and fitness - and every year it wears off' by about March.
This year I feel differently. If I give the process proper attention and declare it to the world (and to myself) I have a feeling it just might stick. Borrowing from the management sector (that deep well of wisdom) I decided to make my resolutions specific and measurable. After a big brainstorming session I ended up with a complex grid of resolutions - headings, subheadings and cross references everywhere covering all aspects of my life - hardly specific or measurable. So that's been scrapped in favour of a simple list: my list of eleven. Eleven things I resolve to do in 2011.
1. Learn to bake sourdough bread, and make it regularly
 |
| I wonder if I could bake something as gorgeous as this ? |
2. Spend more time gardening and learn to propagate my own plants from cutting and division
 |
| This could beautify the garden and save us so much money |
3. Find 5 minutes each day to meditate
4. Join a choir and go regularly
5. Walk more, eat more vegetables
6. Go out with Stephen once a month for dinner, music or a play
7. Spend more time outdoors as a family
 |
| Being outdoors makes us happier |
8. Recommit to the ethical clothing pledge I made earlier this year (so far we're doing quite well)
9. Sew and knit more (first using my fabric and yarn stash before I buy any more). I declare that I WILL finish the quilt for Doots' bed this year. Someone please ask me how I'm going with that if I haven't posted about it by, hmm, June..? please?
 |
| Some pretty prints waiting to be whipped up into napkins and placemats for everyday use. |
10. Spend more time reading books and less time watching telly
11. Tackle the household filing system and make it a thing of efficiency and beauty
 |
| I think this would do the trick! |
And there it is. I feel good about it. It seems achievable, and yet if I manage to tick off all eleven items I think I'll be a better person for it.
How about you - did you make resolutions this year? What's on your list?
How about you - did you make resolutions this year? What's on your list?
x Sarah
Nope no resolutions for me, I put way to much pressure on myself day to day that I dont think its healthy for me to add to the list lol I like yours though, seems totally achievable and more 'being concious' about things you want. I guess my 'being concious' will revole around health this year, mind, body, soul :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great list. Very doable. And even if you only check off a few, that would be a great accomplishment! And my that bread makes my mouth water. I want some. :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great list! I could have written it myself, all except the choir that is! It's good that there are some things you can just DO, and then cross off the list, while others will carry through all year. Also I love that the top of your list is yummy breadmaking, and the bottom is filing... ;) You got your priorities right!!
ReplyDeleteI agree- specific resolutions are easier to stick to. I like your list. All achievable- even that quilt ;) I am more vague- get healthier yada yada yada. But I am sure your method will inspire me. This time last year I just had started my weight loss/health resolution. It felt right and I knew I could do it- and I did. So having that frame of mind from the outset to know that you will achieve your goals is a great start. Enjoy your year.
ReplyDeleteSourdough bread??? Are you sure about that one? I once thought about it and when I realized I would need a starter and that it keeps going for, like, forever, I gave up on the idea.
ReplyDeleteI love love sour dough bread! If I could bake it we'd have to widen all the doors :) What an inspiring list - I LOVE sewing - just trying to figure out what to make next :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you Sarah.
ReplyDeleteYour list does seem "do-able".
Be sure to share your sour dough method when you master it.
Fiona.
Right, it's in my planner...now you have to finish that quilt or I really will ask you!!
ReplyDeletexxxCate
So love your list Sarah, it is very inspiring! Many of my plants have come from cuttings, on our daily afternoon/evening walk I often raid gardens for cuttings. I also drive around the neighborhood on green waste collection day eyeing everyones piles of green waste. I have acquired huge frangipani trees, draecaenas, yuccas and cordylines this way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip about the tagine as well. I never thought of using a cast iron casserole instead!! (Also if your dish was a Le Creuset there might be hope to resurrect it! Let me know if it was.) xx
your list definitely sounds do able.
ReplyDeletei don't do resolutions, too much pressure & I get a bit panicky. Just to be healthy & happy.
I must try sourdough, I am not a big bread baker even though i LOVE bread.
all the best with your list lovely Sarah ♥
A fab list, Sarah. Hmm, do you have a choir in mind? I could well be interested...J x
ReplyDelete