A Happy New Year to you dear reader! Are you one to make New Year’s resolutions for yourself? I’m definitely a goal-oriented kind of gal, but I haven’t really made solid New Year’s resolutions in the past. I’ve decided to take the plunge this new year and create a small list of doable intentions. I’ve also decided to center these intentions around joy and connection — connection to others, to self, to nature, to my life. So, here goes…
Susan’s 2014 New Year’s resolutions:
- Above all else, spending time with my family will always be a priority of mine. And it’s the simple things that mean the most — meals together, family game or movie night, outdoor adventures, snuggling, reading, crafting.
- Compose hand-written letters to dear friends who live far, but are always close to my heart. I will write on beautiful stationery — I’m imagining making my own watercolor and pen designs on the paper.
- Read at least six fiction books. I love stories — their power to move me, teach me, take me on an adventure, and charge my thoughts with depth, questions, and beauty.
- Exercise at least four times a week. In the warmer months you can find me outdoors gardening — digging, weeding, lifting, which is not only physically healthy, but is really a form of meditation for me. In the colder months it’s more challenging and not as fun, but makes me feel so good physically and mentally every time I get my butt in gear and do it. I have a stationary bike, resistance bands, and a mat for toning, stretching and yoga.
- Eat only delicious food. Mostly healthy. Life is so short and I want to use my senses to their fullest. That is art. This cookbook is one I want to explore.
- Learn a little French each day with this app. French women intrigue me. Many of them carry themselves in an artful, confident, graceful way, especially as they age. I have a French friend in her golden years. And, she truly is golden — one of the most beautiful, natural women I have ever met. She leaves a little bit of sparkle wherever she goes. I have much to learn from her.
- Paint. I used to paint abstracts on huge canvases. I want to paint again, only on a smaller scale. Right now my creative energies have been revolving around my next book (a photography and iPhoneography book which will be released by North Light Books in August) and teaching online classes — my next workshop will be iPhone self-portraiture. The paint in my studio continues to call me. I will carve out time to connect with that longing inside of me.
Cheers to you on this New Year’s Day! May 2014 be a happy and healthy one! XO
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Post by Susan Tuttle.