Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Resolutions

I’ve been reluctant to make New Year’s resolutions for a while now. The reason for this is because I used to make far too many, and it was discouraging to tally them up on December 31st and realize that most of them hadn’t been accomplished. In fact, one memorable—and difficult—year, I didn’t manage to achieve anything on my list.
It’s not that I’m against goal setting. Far from it. But the Universe often seems to have an agenda that doesn’t dovetail with mine. I even wonder if wanting something too much drives it away—at least in my case.
I’ll give you an example. Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to have my own solo art show. For years I did all the things self-help books tell you to do in order to reach your heart’s desire. I visualized, wrote down my intentions, did affirmations, thought positively, took action …and one New Year’s Day I even wrote down my negative thoughts and then burned them on a snow bank. (Embarrassing to admit this last one, but true). I finally came to the conclusion that it just wasn’t going to happen for me, and got on with doing my art.
Then this fall our regional art gallery phoned and asked me to submit a portfolio. Shortly afterwards, I was invited to have a solo show in 2009. Since this seems to be the way my life works, I’m only going to make one resolution this year: keeping track of all the things I’m grateful for on a regular basis.
The first “item” on my list is you, dear reader. Thank you for reading my blog, and all the best to you in 2009.
P.S. If you need a little New Year’s cheer, check out the Beckoning of Lovely video on Lisa’s blog.

8 comments:

Ronna said...

Congrats on having a show in 2009! Life just seems to keep happening, eh? Looking forward to another year of reading your blog!

Lisa PN said...

Susan,
Thank you for this blog. i have been thinking about gratitude a lot, and i too am thankful for so much. Congrats on having a show in 2009. One day i too would love to have a visual art show but right now, i just keep on putting it out into the world. And thank you so much for your kind support of my blog. It means the world to me. Enjoy your day!
Lisa

me again said...

I don't make resolutions either -- and I try not to make too many plans. Life always gets in the way! Some of the best (and unfortunately, worst) moments of my life took me completely by surprise. Congrats on your solo show and I trust you'll let us all know when and where. Thank you for your blog, too -- I always enjoy reading it. And I particularly thank you for all the warm, friendly, comforting and heartfelt comments you've left on mine. I hope we can meet up in person sometime soon!

A bird in the hand said...

Resolutions? What resolutions? Heh!

Me, I threw all those self-help books away (I wish I could get my money back), and just focused on what I wanted to do. Too many of those books tell you that: She did this and that, and a week later, she made a million dollars. It's always a week later in those books. The truth is, it has its own timetable. (I feel a book coming on, wherein I will talk about that very subject!!!)

XOXOXOXOX
We will do great things in 2009.

Dale said...

How wonderful that you have an art show in 2009! I am so very excited for you, and can't wait to see pictures!

For myself, i am going to keep my resolutions pretty casual as well. I am going to try to improve my korean (living here now) and to be the best teacher i can be for the little ones here.

Godelieve said...

I love to read your blog Susan. It's great te read your thoughts and opinions on things. Thank you!
I also like how you work with photoshop, the results are always amazing and I can keep looking at the effects you are able to create.
Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

manus said...

Dear Susan, thank you so much for your lovely comment on my blog!!
Congratulations to your solo show this year!! I've made some good resolutions for this year and I hope I can manage to fulfill some of them;)) I love your blog and the things you make and write!
My best wishes for 2009 for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your show. You deserve it.