sparkles. living your life. what’s missing.
While most people use January 1st to get the wheels turning on their New Year’s resolutions, I usually get around to this by the beginning of February, as I’ve already had a month to recover from the previous year, sort out any unresolved business, figure out the “tone” of the upcoming months, etc. and am more prepared to enter into the task of “tweaking” my life to the better and fullest.
I read a quote a few months back: In order to lead a fascinating life – one brimming with art, music, intrigue and romance – you must surround yourself with precisely these things.
Yesterday, right on time for me, I did a little soul searching. No big life plans made, just a simple realization that I really wasn’t at my happiness-potential peak. This quote really hit a high note with me because I realized that my less-than-happy state is coming from a part within me that is not being fulfilled by the things I love. And while you can’t change your life overnight, I’m of the thinking that you can make several minor adjustments to the day-to-day aspects that will make you, over time, feel like your life is on a course for the better.
So I pulled out my pink glitter notebook, got to free writing and figured out a thing or two.
- I need two types of on-going plans. The first is a daily schedule – things that must be done every single day. The second is an on-going task-list – things that I must get accomplished within a certain time-frame; 1-5 of these items should be tackled every day along with my daily schedule.
- I need to add some elements of the arts to me life. I’ve penciled in time for reading new books, cracking open my drawing books again and exploring new music. I’ll also be looking into the Fort Wayne art and science museums, parks and events.
- I need to put myself “out there” more in a social setting that a job will never fill, whether it’s volunteer opportunities, Meetup.com groups or getting out to a group Pilates class. I am an extrovert!
- I need inspiration – daily. I am a pessimist; I always think the worst will happen or is currently happening. After only a month or so of living together, my love now rolls his eyes and makes a face each night as I ask “Are you sure dinner’s ok? There’s nothing wrong with it? Is it overcooked? What would you change about it?” I must seek out my own inspiration in books by successful individuals, uplifting tunes, tackling a daunting project… I can do it!
So what’s next? Applying what I’ve figured out about myself! There’s no “I’ll start on Monday” in the real world – the days and weeks and years go on without you. Today I’ll be sticking to my daily schedule, tackling things on my on-going task list, making some time to do a little reading and look into social/volunteer opportunities!
Remember, the possibilities are endless when you know where to start.
Nice goals! Sounds like it will be a good year!