I've been thinking a lot about projects lately. I don't know about you but I feel like I'm in the middle of dozens of never-ending projects!
Today I was also considering my New Year's resolutions. I make one every year and deliberately don't publish it. This isn't true for everyone but if I'm talking about it, I'm not doing it. Two years ago I made some life resolutions, namely some financial goals (made those) and some career goals (a new degree, which was accomplished a little late... having a baby does these things).
This year, I resolved to work on specific gratitude. As I get older, I'm starting to understand the "it takes a village" mentality. I work very hard on my own projects and taking care of my family but we wouldn't be where we are today without many other people's contributions. I feel like I say "thank you" to a lot of people without truly letting them know what they mean to me. This was especially true after kid1 was born. No one expects a new mother to do much more than take care of her baby but once I got that (vaguely) under control, I tried to let people know how much I appreciated their support of our family.
For instance, I caught up on all my thank you cards, no matter how late. All the baby showers, all the gifts, all the meals, all the people who just lent an ear or some advice while I was pregnant. It was a good feeling to get that done. I've also tried to send friends a little note once in awhile when I use and particularly appreciate something they gave me, whether it was a piece of furniture or some advice. This in particular has opened my introverted eyes to the role of friends in my life. I met some great people at our last base whose friendship is still positively influencing my life today.
But what about next year? I hope that specific gratitude is becoming a character trait instead of a project and I need a new resolution. I'm seriously considering starting a 52 projects challenge, one for each week of 2013, and tracking it here. 52 Projects would involved tackling some long overdue emotional weight (e.g. rolling over those orphan 401k's; reading some long-owned, never-opened books) as well as some projects I'd just like to try (finishing a quilt). This is a departure for me, since it would commit me to regular posts. It would also be challenging, maybe too challenging, as we are scheduled to move again next summer and I am hoping to earn a job at our next assignment.
But what about next year? I hope that specific gratitude is becoming a character trait instead of a project and I need a new resolution. I'm seriously considering starting a 52 projects challenge, one for each week of 2013, and tracking it here. 52 Projects would involved tackling some long overdue emotional weight (e.g. rolling over those orphan 401k's; reading some long-owned, never-opened books) as well as some projects I'd just like to try (finishing a quilt). This is a departure for me, since it would commit me to regular posts. It would also be challenging, maybe too challenging, as we are scheduled to move again next summer and I am hoping to earn a job at our next assignment.
Is it a good idea? If I commit to doing it, would you read and comment on it? Would anyone like to join me?
