This week has brought a lot of much needed clarity to my mind. I have a much better idea of what I want to do in the next couple years, things to 'leave in 2010' and things to strive for in 2011.
You could call this a resolution, but its more a plan for happiness.
11 things for 2011
1. Work-Life Separation
I'm not even saying "balance" because I know that's not really possible. But separation will be key for me. Here's the rule: No work at home! Grad school assignments/work at home will be tolerated, but not preferred. Surely if I maximize my hours between 7-6 Monday through Friday there should be no reason to take work home. This will mean I will have to be more of a "robot" at school, which I don't like to do... but I think the benefits will outweigh the downsides. This is the one that will make or break a lot of the others.
2. Work out 3-4 times a week
I'm pretty good about this, but rather inconsistent. In 2011 I'm looking for consistency! I'm also thinking half marathon? (Signing up for one in Central Park on April 3!) Join an intramural team? (Make friends, play outside... I'm pretty excited.)
3. Date
My break up with JJ made me realize a lot of things. I won't delve into that now, but it leads me to this caveat: I'm happy being single, and I don't need a man in my life. That being said, I would like to be in a relationship, and I could do a better job pursuing that desire. And if nothing else, I'll have some fun getting to know people along the way.
4. Keep in Touch
This comes from a friendship and "networking" point of of view. I say its so hard to keep in touch with people, but I don't think I've put as much effort as I can into it. I have been blessed with so many amazing people in my life. Some of my upcoming travel plans will help me to have some 1-1 face time, but I'm also looking into more skype dates, texts, phone, etc. I say "its so hard to keep in touch" when really, its never been easier.
5. Music - listen and play
I have not just sat around and listened to music for enjoyments sake in such a long time. I want this almost to the point that I need it back in my life. I bought a guitar... but I "haven't had time to play it." I'm making time. I've always been envious of people who can play guitar, but it could so easily be me. In 2011, I'm going to teach myself guitar.
Let's talk about flute. I have developed this love-hate relationship with playing the flute. I love it for obvious reasons... but it also a source of sadness. I miss being good. I miss practicing. I miss playing with a group of people. So... I am going to audition for the Brooklyn Community Orchestra and in preparation will need to start seriously practicing again. I am also thinking about looking for opportunities with SAI Alumnae.
6. "Hang out" more
I have a lot of good friendships in NY, but I don't feel as close to them. I think part of this is because we never just "hang out" - I miss this aspect of friendship a lot. There are things about NY that make "hanging out" harder... but I'm going to try! I'm thinking game nights/dinner nights/etc.
7. Budget
I always budget, but do I stick to it? Not really. I'm going to change up my strategy a little bit and give myself a weekly amount of money for whatever I want. It'll be like an allowance... I'll be my own mother. haha
8. Dream
My dream book is still next to my on my bedside table... but I don't really look at it anymore. I want to bring that back into my life - it helps ground me in life goals of all sizes.
9. Learn and Do
A cooking dish? A home improvement craft? In trying to make myself a more well rounded person, I'd like to learn and do more. Simple things. Big things are taken care of in other areas. But simple things bring quick rewards. Important thing on this one is to spread it out and not do more than one thing at a time.
10. Preparation
Probably the most actionable on the list - I want to plan out my outfits and my lunches on Sundays to relieve some of the weekday stress (especially at 5 or 6am).
11. Next Steps
Save, study, and apply for grad school.
I'm ready to say goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011. I think 2011 will be a year of transition/preparation... getting ready for the next phase in my life. I think it will be a year when I take back my sense of self, and really own it. I think it'll be a good year.
Happy New Year!
You could call this a resolution, but its more a plan for happiness.
11 things for 2011
1. Work-Life Separation
I'm not even saying "balance" because I know that's not really possible. But separation will be key for me. Here's the rule: No work at home! Grad school assignments/work at home will be tolerated, but not preferred. Surely if I maximize my hours between 7-6 Monday through Friday there should be no reason to take work home. This will mean I will have to be more of a "robot" at school, which I don't like to do... but I think the benefits will outweigh the downsides. This is the one that will make or break a lot of the others.
2. Work out 3-4 times a week
I'm pretty good about this, but rather inconsistent. In 2011 I'm looking for consistency! I'm also thinking half marathon? (Signing up for one in Central Park on April 3!) Join an intramural team? (Make friends, play outside... I'm pretty excited.)
3. Date
My break up with JJ made me realize a lot of things. I won't delve into that now, but it leads me to this caveat: I'm happy being single, and I don't need a man in my life. That being said, I would like to be in a relationship, and I could do a better job pursuing that desire. And if nothing else, I'll have some fun getting to know people along the way.
4. Keep in Touch
This comes from a friendship and "networking" point of of view. I say its so hard to keep in touch with people, but I don't think I've put as much effort as I can into it. I have been blessed with so many amazing people in my life. Some of my upcoming travel plans will help me to have some 1-1 face time, but I'm also looking into more skype dates, texts, phone, etc. I say "its so hard to keep in touch" when really, its never been easier.
5. Music - listen and play
I have not just sat around and listened to music for enjoyments sake in such a long time. I want this almost to the point that I need it back in my life. I bought a guitar... but I "haven't had time to play it." I'm making time. I've always been envious of people who can play guitar, but it could so easily be me. In 2011, I'm going to teach myself guitar.
Let's talk about flute. I have developed this love-hate relationship with playing the flute. I love it for obvious reasons... but it also a source of sadness. I miss being good. I miss practicing. I miss playing with a group of people. So... I am going to audition for the Brooklyn Community Orchestra and in preparation will need to start seriously practicing again. I am also thinking about looking for opportunities with SAI Alumnae.
6. "Hang out" more
I have a lot of good friendships in NY, but I don't feel as close to them. I think part of this is because we never just "hang out" - I miss this aspect of friendship a lot. There are things about NY that make "hanging out" harder... but I'm going to try! I'm thinking game nights/dinner nights/etc.
7. Budget
I always budget, but do I stick to it? Not really. I'm going to change up my strategy a little bit and give myself a weekly amount of money for whatever I want. It'll be like an allowance... I'll be my own mother. haha
8. Dream
My dream book is still next to my on my bedside table... but I don't really look at it anymore. I want to bring that back into my life - it helps ground me in life goals of all sizes.
9. Learn and Do
A cooking dish? A home improvement craft? In trying to make myself a more well rounded person, I'd like to learn and do more. Simple things. Big things are taken care of in other areas. But simple things bring quick rewards. Important thing on this one is to spread it out and not do more than one thing at a time.
10. Preparation
Probably the most actionable on the list - I want to plan out my outfits and my lunches on Sundays to relieve some of the weekday stress (especially at 5 or 6am).
11. Next Steps
Save, study, and apply for grad school.
I'm ready to say goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011. I think 2011 will be a year of transition/preparation... getting ready for the next phase in my life. I think it will be a year when I take back my sense of self, and really own it. I think it'll be a good year.
Happy New Year!
