The new year is a perfect time for reassessing goals, dreams, priorities, and what simply makes me happy and how I want to live.
Reading - I used to say reading is like breathing, it's what I do. But, it's more than that--it both relaxes and stimulates my brain and helps me feel right. However, I lowered my GoodReads reading challenge from the 55-65 that I have been doing for years now to 50--I'm carving out time to read those history magazines that arrive every other month, chock full of great articles that really interest me but that sit in a pile unread because I feel pressure to finish my current book and move on to the next one so that I can meet my completely arbitrary goal. I also want to make time to read the New York Times at least once a month. I do want to know more about what is happening in the world than simply headlines on my smart phone's news feed.
Writing - not sure what I want here. I love my blog, and I treasure this outlet to articulate what I like and don't like about what I read, where I travel, and how I play. I used to have the goal of being a published writer (other than self-publication) but not so much anymore, but I still want to work on developing as an effective writer...which means writing here more consistently.
Working - I toyed with retirement a few months ago, and it is still there, but I am not ready to not work. I like having weekends and evenings and holidays to relax, although I have been able to shorten my work week to M-Th and lengthen my weekends to include Fridays. I honestly like the work I do in high-tech marketing, find it challenging and rewarding, and I like getting a paycheck. I realized that the first thing I would do if I retired would be to get a retirement job, so the question became why leave?
Playing - I received a tabletop loom for Christmas and am eager to learn to weave. I have always loved textiles, and this is one of those activities that I think will bring me joy. I also plan to make some projects out of the Underground Railroad quilt book my daughter gave me for Christmas. Oh, and I want to relearn playing the piano. I want to walk at least 30 minutes a day. We have some cool potential trips in the planning stages for 2023. And then there's the garden--so glad to have that extra weekend day as I am going to use it well come spring.
Best wishes for a healthy 2023 and for finding and being able to do the things that bring you joy!
