Vision for the New Year

New Year's Day is always a little sad for me. I'm always a little sad to see the Christmas season go, to realize that my holiday break will soon be over, to feel the wheels of another year churning forward. January 1 usually means that I've recently had to say goodbye to family and friends, that it's time to take down the Christmas tree and tinsel, that it's back to the usual routine. Of course, the return to routine is also nice in a lot of ways, and by the time the new year rolls around, I'm usually ready to detox from junk food and shopping and a full calendar. And, like so many, I find that it's a great time to renew and reflect.

2011 was a good year for me. For the first time ever, I think I've found a job I really like. After a roller coaster of expectations and disappointment and uncertainty, we finally found a house that was more than we hoped for. We've developed new friendships--ones that I feel will be lasting--and have become more connected to our church community. For the first time in a long time, I feel grounded and holding steady, as though I am right where I am supposed to be.

With the career crisis and house search and feelings of being disconnected behind me for now, I feel as though 2012 will be a year of fine-tuning. I rarely feel compelled to make big resolutions, and this year is no exception, but I do find that the new year is a great time to refocus on my priorities. And so, instead of making resolutions, I'm just going to make a list here of things I'd like to prioritize for the year. Many of these items are things I've already been doing, and I see this as an opportunity to remind myself to do more of them. Some of them are things that I was doing but left behind when we bought our house, and I'd like to get back on track. And instead of making a list of "to dos", I want to create something that I'll connect with more emotionally. I see this less as a list of things to cross off and more of a list of words to keep nearby to inspire me and remind me throughout the year of what I'd like to put my energy towards.

And so, in no particular order, here's my vision for 2012:

Be mindful
Meditate
Journal
Be with nature

Create more, consume less
Craft
Garden
Preserve
Bake

Care for my body
Eat close to the earth
Stretch
Strengthen

Read

Give
Volunteer
Listen

The visual I created for myself a while ago still feels like the vision I have for this year, so I'm going to keep it nearby, too:

Here's to a new year filled with all the things you hold most dear!