New Year Intentions

2012 is upon us and as usual I have a myriad of resolutions flying around my head.  Research tells us that about 50% of us make New Year's resolutions, but 22% fail within one week and 60% after 6 months (R Koestner, McGill University).

So instead of resolutions this time round, I will contemplate ten intentions.  A measure of success will be if I can accomplish time goals at least 75% of the time:

1. To write: a monthly newsletter to friends and family and a weekly blog.
2. To phone home to mom every Sunday.
3. To be fit enough by October to run the CIBC Cure for Cancer 5km race in Burlington.

4. To eat more healthy: less sugar, smaller portions, and lose 20lbs before the wedding, whenever that is.
5. To listen to my Spanish tapes in the car twice a week and actually practice speaking to someone.
6. To finish the Blurb book in the summer.
7. To get back to posting actual photos in actual albums.
And 2 more of the less measurable kind:
8. To procrastinate less. 
9. To be more organized.
And 1 to always keep in mind:
10. To be more relaxed, more patient, and more generous to others; and on the other end - less anxious, less cynical, and less impulsive.

Let's see how it goes....

Reflections

Today I have a new vision:

The ocean will be the icon by which I will steer my course.

I will surf its waves, find its ports, ride out its storms.

And most of all, I will cherish its safe harbours.

I will float, peacefully and quietly,

on a sea of calm whenever it presents itself,

storing up energy for days when gales may blow,

or when waters are rough, turbid or unforgiving.

I will be unperturbed by dark and ominous clouds overhead,

for they too, must pass.

I will know that

Change is a constant.

I will remember, each day,

to be thankful for the beauty and vibrancy underneath its waters,

for the hues of colour spread around the world,

and for the life it brings.

I will find solace in tide pools

left to bathe in the sunshine of an outgoing tide,

reflecting a microcosm of the oceans portent.

I will be watchful of high tides, swift currents, and... jellyfish.

I will find happiness in a sibilant shell;

wet, white sand oozing around my toes;

the damp salt spray dancing on a fresh wind,

and the brilliance of a sunset shimmering across the wide horizon.

I am a tiny emblem in the vastness and depths beyond myself.

I am a moment in time

and

I choose to ride on the crests of waves.

ABC's of New Year's Strategi es to Live By

A is for Attitude - keep it positive, Adapt and Accept.
B is for Bold and Brave - take risks, make mistakes.
C is for Children - yours and mine - give them a better world.
D - Dance as if no-one is watching.
E - Efficiency and organization in all you do
F - Friendships to be nurtured and maintained.
G - Go as far as you are able, reach as high as you can, strive for all you can.
H - Help out wherever and whenever possible.
I - Invest your time wisely.  Gain Insight.
J - Jump for Joy at least once a day.
K - Kindness to others - try every day.
L - Learn - to speak fluent French and Spanish or something new: Tai Chi, Cello or maybe Line Dancing.
M - Motivate yourself and others.
N - Now is the moment - live it well.
O - Observe and Listen.
P - Patience and Persistence.
Q - Quality in work and relationships counts.
R - Relax and go with the flow.  Be flexible.
S - Save money and budget.
T - Travel on new adventures.
U - Utilize all your talents.
V - Validate and verify - don't jump to conclusions.
W - Worry less.  Weigh your words wisely.
X - eXercise! Enough said.
Y - You are the author of your life story - choose your path carefully.
Z - zest for life - keep it up!

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery