Monday, December 26, 2011

Reflections and Resolutions


So...2011 is nearly over. For me, the last week of the year has always been one of reflection and planning. I look back at the highlights and significant happenings of the past twelve months. How did I spend my time? What fun and exciting experiences did I have? Did I try something new? Which part was my favorite? What do I want to change for next year? What did I learn from any challenges or negative experiences? What gave me the most happiness, peace, and satisfaction?

I recently read this enlightening quote from Charles Richards.

"Don't be fooled by the calendar.
There are only as many days in the year as you make use of."

Makes you think, doesn't it? Whether or not you use each day wisely is your choice. You can mindlessly trudge through life or you can meet it head on with enthusiasm. That doesn't mean going full throttle every minute, though. Everyone needs to recharge batteries, assess where you've been and where you want to do next. The key is to think positively and actively pursue the things that make you happy.

2011 has been a good year for me. I realized some dreams, learned new skills, and met some goals in my second full year of retirement. I started this blog and have written fifty-two blog entries. Jerold and I spent over sixty relaxing days in our vacation home on wheels; a retirement goal for both of us. I enjoyed time with my mama and gave her the peace and quiet of our home while we were on the road. I designed and created forty-five items: quilts, crafts, home décor items and clothes. I loved staying home, planting flowers and walking in the woods with Rowdy dog.

I hope 2012 will be as satisfying and fun. The resolutions I make will be guidelines to continue a happy and comfortable life, making use of every day's opportunities.


One resolution I have made, and try always to keep,
is this:  To rise above the little things.” 
~John Burroughs


Labels

1930's 1942 1969 accountability Accuquilt adapt adjust adventure advice affirmations amazing anniversary antiques Art Deco attitude Australia autumn baby quilt balance batik beach beauty birthday blessing bliss BlockBase Blue Wren Bogie bonus breathe brightness candy cat challenge change chevrons chocolate choice Christmas closet clothes clutter coffee color contentment cooking cottage cotton crafts Craftsman crazy creativity crochet decorating design designs distraction DIY downsizing drama dreams drunkard's path Elna energy EQ8 excitement expectations fabric fall family Featherweight feed sack Fifty flexibility flour sack flowers flying geese Flynn Quilt Frame focus fool free motion free spirit freedom friends fun furniture garden Granny Hill Granny Rose Grasshopper grateful gratitude Halloween happiness hexagon imagination independence insight inspiration intuition inventory Janome joy karma laughter lessons letting go life lists little things love magic mama Memorial Day memories milestones modern Mother's Day motivation Mustang nature opportunity organizing paint paradise passion patience peace perception perspective positive energy productivity purple quilt quilting quotes rainy days reflection refresh relaxation remnant renew resolutions responsibility restoration retro rhythm Rocketeer routines ruler quilting satisfaction scraps sewing sewing machine simplicity simplify Singer Singer 99 Slant-O-Matic 500 snow solitude Southern traditions spring stitching strawberries stress sugar sack summer sunshine thankful Thanksgiving Thoughts tiger oak traditions triangle tropical prints Universal useful valentine vintage violet waiting weather winter wisdom wishes yard sales