January 2, 2014

Setting New Goals...

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I'm not one to make resolutions. I'm really not. I prefer to call 
them goals...things that I want to accomplish during the year.
I call them "To Do" lists. I write things down, then I check them
off as I finish them. I usually do them day-by-day, but I've
decided to write down three long-term lists for this year...
1) Personal goals
2) Creative goals
and
3) Home project goals

Now, I'm not going to bore you with all the things I've written
down, but I'll share one or two things from each list of ten items.

Personal Goals
I don't know if you've even noticed, but I've had a running total on my 
right sidebar of a healthy lifestyle program I started last September. 
(It's under the "Working Toward A Goal" caption below my profile.)

Since I started, I've kept track of how far I've ridden my bicycle, walked (or
 other activity), and how much weight I've lost. I managed to shed twenty
pounds before my birthday, and I got through the Christmas and New Year
 holidays without gaining any of it back! I'm going to continue my program
 through 2014.  I'll keep track over in my sidebar in case you're interested. I
change it weekly, but won't start again 'til I've healed from my recent surgery.

If you write a comment to me asking for details, I promise I'll write
back with an answer. If you're a "no comment" blogger, make sure
you add your email address so there's a way for me to reply.
Image from hikerinheels.blogspot.com
I've chosen my word for 2014. 
I chose "GRACE".
You already know that's Mom's name. I've been learning from her
for over forty years, and believe me, she's the living embodiment
of her name. Before I chose it, I looked up the definitions.

As a noun, it means poise, agility, finesse, courtesy, decency, 
politeness, respect, generosity, kindness, blessing, and goodwill.
As a verb, it means dignify, honor, distinguish, enhance, glorify,
elevate, adorn, embellish, decorate, enhance, beautify and enrich.
It seems to me that there are many different ways that I'll be able
to embrace this word in 2014...both in my personal and creative life.

Creative Goals
I'll share a lot of these in the coming months, but my most short-term
goal is to make an assortment of Kindle and iPad cases for our quilt
show Boutique (in February). I have all the supplies, and I'll start soon.

I'm also going to set aside time each month in 2014 to make a gift 
for my Christmas list. No more procrastinating until the end of the year.
By November, all I'll have to do is make jammies to fit our grandkids.

Home Project Goals
I'm going to make a set of slipcovers for the Flying Cloud seating areas.
and
I'm going to work on decluttering - beginning with my closet.
I've learned from living in the Flying Cloud that we can live with less.
(Well, except for in the studio!) So, I'm going to start in my closet 
and proceed to the next area or room from there. I'll embrace the 
concept of "enough" instead of "a lot" - making for definitely less stuff.
Image from a greeting card I received last year.
You'll be seeing my 2014 word in future posts as I strive to live a 
life of "grace" this year. I'm blessed to have Mom as my inspiration,
and I'll be sharing more of my lists in upcoming months, too.

I love the hope and anticipation that comes with the beginning of a
new year. I don't want to waste a single second on regret over days past.
(Nostalgia, yes, but no regret.) Look forward with me as we embark on
another 365 journey. It's going to be an adventure...I just know it!
DonnaAcornSignature

6 comments:

  1. Wonderful New Year Post ~ Great idea to write down goals, and I love that you choose the word Grace.... my choice for 2014 is to get organized ~ getting rid of stuff I don't need, organizing what I do have and also a bit of organization for my life, I also have a BIG goal, I want to start Dating this year, it has been almost 17 years that I have been divorced & I feel it's Time..... Not sure when the dating part will begin, but the organizing part is underway!
    Have a beautiful weekend
    Cheryl

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  2. Donna...when I read your choice of 'grace' for your word of the year, I immediately thought of a book I read a few years ago. I wonder if you've read it..."Tender Grace" by Jackina Stark. I wish you the best this year with all of your goals.

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  3. Happy new year, Donna! Your goals are wonderful and I love your word of the year! Actually, it's a name and a word for life.
    Lovely!

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  4. Grace is the perfect choice for you my friend. Grace denotes all that you are and do in your life. Congratulations on your healthy lifestyle achievements. May your adventure be a blessed one dear...

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  5. What a fabulous post Donna. "Grace"...what better word to have as a mantra? I think none. Lovely. I shall borrow it as well. xx

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  6. Beautiful word Donna... I have always enjoyed your posts about Mom Grace. It is a true guiding word, and one we can all strive for.
    I love all your plans/lists, and wish you the best of luck with them. I do so love this time of year, when we are all striving to be more - it's such a wonderful, uplifting display of spirit.
    All the best to you in your journey,

    jillayne

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna