My intentions for this year were inspired by a comment in an email from fellow blogger, Honoré, indicating she was thinking of 19 things to do in 2019. I thought it was an inspired idea and have settled on 19 things I’d like to accomplish this year.
- Complete a photo book about our trip to Istanbul and Greece.
- Complete a photo book about our trip to Morocco.
- Catch up with Project Life
- Project 52: complete 52 photowalks and post at least one photo from each on Instagram or on my blog.
- Master the controls on my mirrorless camera.
- Try 12 new techniques for card making. (I’ve got a list and a Pinterest board.)
- Conquer the Cameo.
- Master the art of layering stamps.
- Complete 100 sketches.
- Complete six online classes.
- Journal daily.
- Meditate/reflect three times/week when I’m not traveling.
- Read 50 books. (I keep a record on Goodreads.)
- Keep one day free of commitments each week.
- Work out 120 times. (My goal when we’re home is to work out 3 days/week. I set this goal by estimating the number of weeks we’re likely to be away this year---quite a few, I think.)
- Maintain the eating plan I’ve adopted in the last month. (I’ve been meeting with an integrative health practitioner and have had good success in eliminating discomfort from arthritis and other annoying symptoms of old age.) Admittedly, it’s a challenge.
- Do weekly meal planning on the Paprika app.
- Continue with my volunteering.
- Attend Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C.
Over the years, some of the words I’ve chosen have been transformative, and others not so much. Last year I lost track of both my word and my intentions, so this year I signed up for Ali’s course. I don’t have any desire to create an album, but I have set up a little notebook, some tracking pages, and intend to use Ali’s prompts to reflect on where I am each month.
I think I purchased this notebook at Target a year or so ago, and I think it will work well. The pages in it are a bit heavier than most so I think it will hold up to some stamping and some embellishment if I choose to do that. So far, this is how I have it set up.
My word and the inspiration for it.
I have three Trackers downloaded from Elise Joy. I put them at the very front since I'll need to access them regularly. Once I get home, I'll start tracking all three items: diet, exercise, and meditation. There was no way I could keep up with that while we're away, and besides I don't have access to a gym here. I am, however, being very careful with my diet. In December, I started working with a holistic healthcare practitioner. I've been following an eating regime that is basically no carb, no sugar since the beginning of December. It also involves some supplements, and I have to say it's been a good experience. I've tried in the past to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, but had a hard time sticking to it. Being accountable is key for me. At the beginning of November, I was seriously considering another set of cortisone shots for my hips and knee, but now I don't even take across the counter medication for pain. I walked 26+ miles the week we were at Disney without any significant discomfort. I gave myself a break while we were there, but even with some "cheats," the pain stayed away. An added benefit, is losing seven pounds. I'd like to lose three more, but this wasn't about weight loss to begin with.
The last tracker and the list of intentions for 2019.
More on my intentions and a calendar for keeping track of what I accomplish each month.
And, finally, two of several lists to help me remember some of the things I'm thinking about for creative projects.
I'm hoping this will help keep me on track this year, and make YES one of those transformational words.
