Since I rang in 2010 with a newborn, I didn’t even bother to make any resolutions. I had a pass right? Though dates are just arbitrary, starting a new year forces us to slow down in between watching New Kids on the Block performing with Backstreet Boys and glasses of champagne. You know, just to think about the past year and focus our intention on the upcoming year. (Yes, they did perform and it hurt my brain to see it.)
A couple of years ago, inspired by Christine Kane and Ali Edwards, I chose a word for the year instead. This word represents your intention for the year. A word that you’ll project consciously and subconsciously with all things you do.
Last year I didn’t have an intention or plan and it showed. I took on a lot of projects and responsibilities. By November I was completely overwhelmed by everything I had to do. Jaxson had mastered walking and didn’t like to nap alone, so I couldn’t focus on any work during the day. I was lucky if I didn’t burn dinner! I ended up staying up late almost every night working. Which means a tired and cranky mom and wife. Totally unfair to my family. I’m tired of being tired.
I chose Freedom as my 2011 word because I want to feel free. Instead of accepting many obligations, I am free to say No. I’m free to choose the projects that are fun or really close to my heart. Free to do things like go on more dates with my husband, create more art, and travel with my family.
In order to be free for the next twelve months, I went back to a paper calendar. I’ve told you how much I love my Google calendar, but this paper calendar is sole for my blogging and freelance responsibilities. I realized that I need a schedule I could see at a glance. This way I can plan ahead what I’m writing about. I can see my upcoming deadlines.
I’m using the Busy Body Book planner that I received in my BlogHer swag bag. It’s a grid system that has 5 columns. I’m still tweaking what exactly each column is, but I love the visual. I’m leaving it on my desk so I’m not dragging around everywhere I go. My theory is if it’s stays on my desk, I can only think about work when I’m there.
My schedule is going to free my brain. Many times I have a difficult time turning off work or going to sleep because I keep thinking about, “What should I blog about tomorrow? Next day?” Or, “My deadline is next week and I have no idea what it’s about!”
I’m still using my Google calendar for our family activities and my to-do lists/reminders for Passion Parties. I’m not a complete Luddit.
This year I’m blogging with a purpose and not just randomly.
So I can be free to be 100% present with my family.
What’s your word for 2011?
Though I received the My Busy Body Calendar in my BlogHer swag bag, I was not obligated to post about them. In fact the calendar had been sitting in a drawer forgotten until I cleaned it out the other day.
This post was partially inspired by Take the Cake: A Working Mom’s Guide to Grabbing a Slice of the Life You’ll Love by M. F. Chapman, founder of Cubes & Crayons. I received a copy of the book for review through the online book club, From Left to Write.
No Responses