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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A VERY short New Year's list

My Goddess of Compassion wearing her Christmas scarf

I've been enjoying the different lists on my friend's blogs (many of which are listed under the blogs I follow). Being creative people, they've all come up with creative, fun ideas.

This year, I'm having a list of one. One resolution for the new year. One to focus on. It is: for the next year, I'll strive to go beyond my limits. To dare new writing endeavors, to dare new experiences, to expand to my horizons and further and further. Why? Because I've noticed how the more I challenge myself, the more I succeed. Besides, it's fun, in a scary way.

There's an addendum to this short list of one, a resolution to possess compassion for myself, for my flaws and failures. If we don't forgive ourselves, we can't forgive anyone.

What are your New Year's resolutions, if any? Why? Why not?

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stretching boundaries is a great resolution, Conda. And forgiving yourself. I sure can't top those. But I will add learning to accept "good enough," because my perfectionism is at the root of my restlessness and discontent, and believing in my ability to succeed. Because if I don't believe in myself, who will?

Looks like a gorgeous day in Boise - I'm watching the Humanitarian Bowl. Go Vandals! :-)

Happy New Year!

Helen Ginger said...

I don't make resolutions. I used to. And never kept them. So I quit making them. I do have things I will strive to do. Like write more fiction this year.

Helen
Straight From Hel

Elisabeth said...

I couldn't agree more, Conda.

Your resolution, although it contains only one notion is broad and complex and wonderful, especially your determination to maintain your empathy and compassion for yourself in your endeavours.

As far as I'm concerned that's always the hardest to achieve but it's the most important goal for which to strive.

All the best for the new year ahead.

Conda Douglas said...

Beth, it snowed all morning, couple of inches, then was gorgeous this afternoon.

Conda Douglas said...

Helen, like I said on your blog, my you're prolific!

lisa and laura said...

FANTASTIC resolution! I love that. If you dare to broaden your horizons it's bound to be an exciting 2010!

Conda Douglas said...

Thanks, Elisabeth for your kind words and yes, forgiveness is a skill to be cultivated!

Conda Douglas said...

Lisa and Laura--yes, exciting it is!

Jim Murdoch said...

I don't think I've ever made a New Year's resolution. I tend to look back and assess more but I think I've always been so accutely aware that "time and unforeseen circumstance befall all men" and "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley" to quote the Bible and Burns both of whom get more attention at this time of year for some strange reason.

I have a general view of the future, that I'll do the best I can and try and not be too disappointed with myself when I don't do as well as I imagine I should be able to. Most of the time I feel I let myself down on both counts I'm afraid but I pick myself up, dust myself down and get on with it anyway.

Enid Wilson said...

Great new year resolutions, Conda! I want to laugh more and write more in 2010!

Happy New Year

Enid from http://steamydarcy.com

Paul D Brazill said...

Conda,
All the best for 2010.
Happy New year!
Paul

http://pdbrazill.blogspot.com/

Conda Douglas said...

Jim, the veracity of your Burn's quote was brought home to me this month--plans and expectations went awry.

And as an exercise instructor, I can tell you those extreme resolutions to lose 10 pounds, not drink, quit smoking, etc. ALL by January 31st, rarely work.

Kathy McIntosh said...

Love your resolution plus one and believe I'll adopt them for myself.
I guess my biggee is to look for the joy and savor it.
Happy New Year.

Conda Douglas said...

Enid, I've found that in this life, you can never laugh or write enough.

Conda Douglas said...

Thank you, Paul!

Conda Douglas said...

Kathy, thanks, and yes, is there anything more delicious than joy?

Swubird said...

Conda:

Ah, yes, the old no pain no gain strategy. I know it well.

As to my own burden for 2010, I will finish my manuscript and get it published if it kills me. Oh God, I feel nervous just writing the words "I will..." Those two words have to be the toughest two words in the English language. Of course, the easiest two words are, "I won't." One little word make all the difference. Isn't life funny?

Happy New Year and Happy trails.

Conda Douglas said...

Yes, indeed, Swu, one little word makes all the difference--and I'm looking forward to your publication in 2010!