Most days I spill words, like I do my coffee, burning, aromatic, luke-warm, sometimes stale, straight into my white, hard covered, journal with my inky black pen.  I write what I feel and what I feel might overtake me, maybe already has, and mostly how hope wraps itself around me like my favorite blanket tucked tight like a burrito.  All year long, I pour out my thoughts like a kettle who’s water is screeching ready.  If I don’t pour . . . .

 

 

the whistle blows louder and louder until the thoughts evaporate.  Gone for good or back into my word pool of a brain.

I guess what I’m saying is that I’m self aware and not just in January.  So when January happened as it always does – so quickly after Christmas coma- I wasn’t to interested.  The invitations are everywhere these days.  Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest quotes coming right for you.  It’s like you can’t say no to the party, even if you wanted to.  I don’t want to turn down the invitation or eschew the first and the fresh.  I’m just finding myself fashionably late.  Can you relate?  

Today is my day.  It’s my first.  First day to sit and think and wonder and write out what the ingredients of a new year will be.  While I like the ritual, and I have my own formulas, I’m finding that every year looks different and I may not always stick to them like I would a trusted recipe.  Reflecting and resoluting recipes are more like cooking – add a dash of this or omit that – this time – rather then baking, where you must follow, precisely, or you won’t come up with the end result any time.

My resolutions are never really resolutions, they are more like goals and even more than goals they are lists.  I’ve found the right recipe for me is listing.  BE / DO / RANDOM are my roux.  Most times, I start with ingredients that are left over from last year.  When I reflect on the year before, I find what still needs to be softened in the stew.  And, things begin to simmer.

My lists can tend to be elaborate.  Because I’m a dreamer.   I’ve found that you can’t do it if you don’t dream it.  I’ve thrown some crazy things in the stew, like move to France for a year.  Hasn’t panned out yet, but traveling to England did.  And, that year crossing the ocean, for six days seemed just as impossible.

Don’t limit yourself.

I know I won’t cross everything off my list (I never do at the grocery either – always forgetting something).  The beauty is I don’t know what I will end up crossing off the list (Like the year before when I ran a 1/2 marathon.  I’m not a runner and it wasn’t even on my list).

This year, I’ve gone pretty simple.  Because, life become a lot more simple for me the last few months.  Here are a few things making my list this year.  I plan to add to my list as the week goes on…..As I hear myself dream and ask God what dreams He has for me.

BE

LOVING / I’m nothing without love.  I want those closest to me to know how loved they are by me.
+A better wife
+A better mom

FREE / For years I’ve put be brave on my list.  Knowing that I want to be less fearful and more brave.  This year I just want to be free of fear.  I’m so done with it.

STRONG / This is my year to be strong.  Body, mind and spirit.  Continue personal growth.  Yoga/flexibility.  Build muscle.

 

DO

WRITE / Write everyday.  Online, in my journal, somewhere, anywhere.

DECLUTTER / Like for real.  I’ve been slowly working on this, but plan to take more of a plunge with the help of this book (which I’m picking up today).

HAVE FUN + LAUGH MORE / I know lame to have to list to have fun and laugh more, but sometimes we have to be intentional about these types of things.  My serious side needs to step a side and let my silly side have some space this year.

 

RANDOM
+ Improve memory
+Update mudroom
+Take kids to the beach
+Trip with the mister
+Mentor
+Start a book club
+Long bike ride
+Make decisions quickly
+Writing retreat

Do you make resolutions or goals?  What are some of your goals this year?  Link up in the comments if you shared them online.

P.S. I can’t wait to start my listing journal this week!

 

*Gorgeous images and art work by Giulia Bernardelli