I didn't expect to choose One Little Word for this year, but this morning it leaped out at me as I was going over the lists I made a week or so ago after reading similar lists on Karen Grunberg's blog (although now I can't seem to find the specific post). I made three lists for 2013: What Do I Want to Learn? How Do I Want to Spend My Time? and What Do I Want to Read? This morning "DO" popped out of all three questions, and it seemed like the right word. There is a lot I want to do in 2013, and all of it is not covered by my lists. I tried to be more realistic about my intentions for this year. I've read repeatedly that if you devote just 20 minutes a day to an activity, your performance will improve greatly. I have always had trouble with that, so this year I'm aiming for a few times a week, rather than daily. I made a very quick layout this morning as one way to hold myself accountable.
I couldn't be simpler: one piece of cardstock, the printed lists, some AC Thickers and three vellum arrows that came with a Studio Calico kit.
Here are a few books (some were Christmas gifts) I hope to use as resources:
Three of those books are already on my nightstand (and I've started all three). I have a huge list of books I think I'd like to read, but most of these have been on my list for too long. Both Mary Oliver's book of poetry and Alice Munro's book of short stories are new books. My sister-in-law gave me Happier at Home since she knew I'd loved The Happiness Project.
Keeping myself accountable is always a challenge. I ordered a gift for Betsy from Lisa Leonard and received this lovely calendar. It's quite small, but I think I can code the things I do each day in it, and hope to do some regular summing up on the blog as well.
I've always like the start of a new year. I like setting intentions (rather than resolutions), and I'm always ready for a fresh start. We're leaving on a 10-day trip on Monday, so most of these activities will have to wait until my return to become part of a routine.
