happy new year

I admit it, I've been downright ornery about new year's resolutions in the past - and even re-framed it for myself last year by calling them intentions instead. But secretly I'm a firm believer in fresh starts. I feel like this past year, although filled with good things and reasons to feel grateful, was one in which I squandered both time and opportunity. In the midst of everything, I somehow lost my ability to seize the moment. I've been lucky - I have understanding and supportive friends and an amazing family, I have this blogging community for which I am endlessly grateful, and the chance to muse with 8 other amazingly talented women has given me direction when I otherwise might have floundered.

So, cantankerous avoidance of resolutions aside, I'm determined to grasp life by the reins.

I intend to be fit enough to skip with Sweetpea for longer than 30 seconds before I start wheezing.

I intend to identify my career direction - continue working for myself or get a job outside the home?

I intend to identify my dreams and start making them happen.

I intend to journal and write and make images to satisfy my creative voice.

I intend to start selling those images (courage!).
I intend to embrace vulnerability.

I intend to purge this house of every unnecessary item that clutters it.

I intend to be a better friend, mother, partner.

I intend to go easy on myself if things don't go as planned.

It's a start.

As part of the purge, inspired by English hubby, today I went through bookshelves and filled a large box with a varied selection of books I won't be reading again.  They'll be donated to charity or given to friends, including YOU if you see one here that you're interested in.  Just tell me in the comments if you see one below you've been meaning to read, and I will send it off to you.

Happy New Year to you and yours.