I'm going to do a catch up post for the week I missed and then keep on with this through December because I love the idea and can see how focusing on this as this year rolls into next can really help me put energy behind my wishes for myself and my life.
December 1--One Word
My one word for 2010 would have to be "fitful." I've done a lot this year, met wonderful, creative people online that I am feeling more connected to all the time. But there have been great periods of dormancy when I've been frozen by lethargy, self-doubt, depression, general inertia. "Fitful" seems like a perfect description of my forward motion this year.
December 2--Writing
"What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)" I procrastinate, I play around online, I forget why I want to write and sometimes even that I do want to write, I actively avoid it, I tell myself mean things that make me feel it isn't worth the time. Yes, I can eliminate a lot of this. It's going to take a lot of work, but most of all it's going to take paying attention to the things I'm doing that keep me from my words. But I can do it.
December 3--Moment
This one makes me feel really sad and kind of like I want to give up on this venture. I can't think of a moment when I felt most alive, not just from this year but in I don't know how long. I really don't know, don't have an answer for this, and that is heartbreaking.
December 4--Wonder
I cultivated wonder in my life this year by learning lots of new things, trying new things, and looking for it all around me. I started a new business, learned how to build a WordPress website, started my first newsletter, joined in on many creative online groups and discussions, started playing with my camera more again to look more closely at the world around me, remembered to watch the moon and the stars the way I used to, watched the birds in my yard every day.
December 5--Let Go
Have I let go of anyone or anything this year? I did let go of some duties I had taken on in the SCA because they were taking too much time and effort and wearing at me when my heart had been pulled elsewhere. I let go of spending my time and energy on things that no longer held much meaning for me.
December 6--Make
What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)" The last thing I made was this great new recipe for a Swiss potato dish called a rosti. That was on Monday. On the weekend, I made background pages in my art journal. I make a lot of things throughout the year. Is there something I need to clear some time for? Regular art journaling, although that's not specifically one thing. Is there one thing? Yes! I know. I want to make curtains for my bathroom and my studio--I really want them and keep not doing it. So that's the one thing I want to make next.
December 7--Community
"Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)" This has been a really big word for me this year. I had to really acknowledge that I'm lonely and really want and need more friends. But in creating my new business, I have started connecting with people online, and I'm starting to feel that I'm becoming part of a community of creatives and writers. One of the biggest ways this is happening is through Twitter, which still seems so odd to me. But in May I took a short workshop on using social media, learned about how to use Twitter effectively, and there you have it. I've also connected with several people through Wishcasting on Jamie Ridler's website. Took a wonderful class with Kelly Rae Roberts and connected with many fabulous artists there and on Facebook afterward. And I've connected with a great group of writers, most local to me, through NaNoWriMo this year.
For 2011, I want to connect more with other writers. I'm building a community for us online, and I hope it will bring many of us together for companionship and support and more writing. I am also creating a community of women who want to change their bodies and physical selves while also feeling better about ourselves and learning to love and accept ourselves.
December 8--Beautifully Different
What makes me different that lights people up? I guess I found out during NaNo that my ability to be a cheerleader of sorts is really appealing to people because I encourage and occasionally gently prod without being overly chipper or perky or annoying. And I really like that about myself, so I think that might be a beautifully different thing about me. What else is different about me? I don't know for sure. I feel fairly ordinary, but at the same time I know I'm not. I'm still learning about the differences of me and learning to embrace them.
1 comment:
Hi Kim. I have seen this reverb around the web this week, but seeing you tackle it all at once has really brought the value of it to my attention. I echo many of your sentiments too, especially connecting via online community. Your moves to get yourself out there are inspiring too. You may not have a "moment", but I think you have a lot!
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