1.06.2012

some intentions...

image via anthropologie

I know this will come as a huge shocker given my type-A, list loving, OCD tendencies, but I am a fan of New Year's resolutions. Big time. I've made them religiously ever since I was a kid, and I tend to put a lot of thought into crafting them. No willy nilly resolutions here.

Last year was no exception. I went all-in on my resolution creation, even launching a blog to support one of them. And I managed to actually make some good progress against them (after all, the whole point in making resolutions is attempting to keep them, right??).

But I'm struggling a bit this year. It's not that I don't have goals. I do. But after such an intense month and our recent reminders of the uncertainty and fragility of life, I'm feeling a bit more, well, for lack of a better word...fluid.

So I'm going for something lighter this time around (something a bit more unstructured, that allows room for embracing the unknown twists and turns), by focusing on the things I want to do more of and some that I want to curb a bit in 2012...

So with that in mind, I intended for this year to include:


MORE
Making, Attentiveness, Art, Champagne, Cooking, Gratitude, Green Vegetables, Green Tea, Unplugging, Ballet, Listening, Risk Taking, Reading, Playing Outside, Kindness, Editing

*and *

LESS
Buying, Sugar, Busyness, Stuff, Over-scheduling, Distractions, Waste, Over-thinking



What about you guys, what would be on your more/less lists?

15 comments:

Di said...

I'm taking a leaf out of your book (and suggesting others might like to try it to) and stating some things I'd like to do more of and some things I'd like to do less off - and one real resolution - although the more and less things do sound, as you say, a lot better!

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I'll join you - I think "more champagne" is going to be my New Year's resolution!

I make mine year round - when I think I need a kick - and always one on my birthday as that is when my "new year" begins.

Sarah Bradley said...

I love your list and how you categorized it. Great goals & I'm excited to follow along.

Di said...

Oh - so I forgot to post what I'd do more and less of!

More - running.......being outdoors.....spending time with friends.....making time for friends.....
Less - sugar, coca cola (that's the one resolution - no more coca cola - 5 days in!), getting stressed and buying clothes.

Mary said...

What a nice way of thinking about it. I haven't done resolutions for the past couple years, because I felt like it was always the same things on my list. More: dancing, planning, unplugging, guitar playing, reading, skiing, gratitude, playing outside, water, patience, designing (my new kitchen specifically!)
*I'm just gonna focus on the more!

Emma (Glitter and Gold) said...

love the simplicity of your intentions list . . . easy to remember so you can focus on them. Thanks for sharing

Rachel said...

Always love your intentions, Jos. My plan for this year (at least re: stuff and my constant issues with it) is still forming, but I *think* I might take a cue from your project last year. You're always such a good source of inspiration. And possibly the only other person I know that likes to spend as much time thinking about stuff and spending and wanting as I do.

nicole said...

terrific list.

Unknown said...

I love your intentions. "Fluid" - what a great attitude for the year. I have a bit of everything going on: qualities I want to bring to the year, and then a few specific intentions too - I put mine out there in the posts below....
Good luck with yours. Keep us posted x

http://www.basilbe.co.uk/2012/01/goals-just-few-more.html

http://www.basilbe.co.uk/2012/01/from-low-point-to-dreaming-big-2012.html

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I love the simple rephrasing of resolve to intend. Makes it do much better feeling.

Anonymous said...

I love your fluid "intentions". I'm still working on finalising my list (mega A type) but I'm trying not to do too much new this year, and instead aim to do/be everything better! =)

katie//salt+pine said...

I'm thinking along the same lines...I posted on my blog about slowing down and staying in the moment. This is pretty difficult for me, but after doing it last week I really feel a shift in my life. It feels good.

MCC said...

Beautiful post. My ideas are similar. Less of a rigid "list" and more generalities towards becoming the best version of myself. More: yoga, reading, awareness of the present, travel. Less: Trying to control others, worry, mindless consumption. Happy 2012, thanks for this wonderful place.

About Last Weekend said...

Yes to all of these. Especially the champers. When my Kiwi friend lived on an island in NZ for a year she would start each day with a glass of champagne a la Coco. Not sure if I can get away with that, but bubbles makes everything an occasion...

Suite Henry said...

The overthinking is a particularly good one. That one hurts everything it touches and leaves you rather taxed.

Happy New Year!
All the best to you and your family.