Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Resolve

Do you make new year's resolutions?

I do. My reason for making them is to keep them, so (here's my logic:) I make resolutions that are possible to keep.

2010's new year's resolution was to finish my novel. It's done done done.

Of course just because the book is written doesn't mean it's published. I have a lot of work yet to do. But in 2010 I spent an inordinate amount of time sitting at my desk, which brings me to 2011's resolution.

A book doesn't get written without one's butt in one's chair at one's writing desk, but admittedly, this is not the best thing for one's butt. In 2011 I resolve, among other things, to de-stress and to exercise. There's nothing like a good trail for killing those two goals with one mountain.

Did you make a 2010 resolution? Did you keep it? What do you resolve for 2011?

24 comments:

J.J. in L.A. said...

My New Year's Resolution is to not make any New Year's Resolutions. I know me and, no matter what it is, it would be broken by January 3rd...if it even took that long.

Julie said...

Sorry if you are expecting something light and flippant.

To always consider the glass half-full, no matter how empty it might at times seem. To get out and about, a voyager of the body and the head.

All very high level, but I have detail butressing this.

Kate said...

You have inspired me. With just a few more days left before 2011, I'll have some time to think about it. Give me a day or two. Perhaps eliminating procrastination? No, wait. I have to reflect upon it for awhile.

Mister Earl said...

Where's the moon in the photo? Looks like it disappeared. Maybe you've brought us the frame and the rest will be filled in during the new year.

I try to live one day at a time, but I do have some "plans" - some general ideas of things I want or need to do.

Petrea Burchard said...

J.J., that sounds like a resolution it's possible to keep.

Not at all, Julie. I take my resolutions seriously. We can't change others but we can change ourselves, and when we resolve self-improvement and stick with it, resolutions can be life-changing.

Kate, that's a tough one, and a constant on my list.

It's barely visible, Mister Earl, above center at the right side. But perhaps I should let the imagination fill it in. Besides, this photo was taken during the day.

Anonymous said...

Just to push myself a little more, be productive. Have a great 2011!

TheChieftess said...

To have fun while becoming a true member of the community up here...

To take my photography to the next level...

To be more physically fit...and ski!!!

TheChieftess said...

PS...LOVE this photo!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

That's a good one, toemailer. Productivity can be fulfilling.

Chieftess, your Mammoth Daily Photo blog can involve you in the community, as I'm sure you're discovering. Take ski pics! (and thank you)

Speedway said...

In 2010 my goal was to move more, to work on my stories and artwork. In 2011 it will be to keep moving, finish the stories and make more paintings. And above all, to remain hopeful.

Congratulations on finishing your novel! Hope 2011 finds the completed work with a publisher.

Desiree said...

Viva completing novels!!

I like looking at the year ahead on my birthday. New year's resolutions seem to me, fraught and somehow, commercial. I've been reading Pema Chodron, and there's a part where you make a resolution (I'm paraphrasing) in the morning, and then reflect on it at bed time. I'm currently giving that a whirl. This morning's resolution: to lighten up!

camille said...

to make sure you have a big juicy garden in your "former" weed patch! (this is nysha!)

Trish said...

a number of years back I stopped making resolutions---AND stopped kicking myself for missing the mark on them.

I do have goals. I do have ideas and plans. I aim to meet them all and know that when I miss one or more, it proves that I am human. Nice to spend less time kicking myself while I'm actually achieving something productive.

Petrea Burchard said...

Speedway, thanks for the congrats. Wish I could resolve to get it published but too much of that is out of my hands. I can resolve to make the attempt.

Merci, Des, I like your method! Then if you don't like it you can try a different one tomorrow.

Hello, Nysha! I started making lists today, very excited (another resolution).

There you go, Trish, no self-kicking.

pasadenapio said...

My 2010 resolution was to see my children and grandchildren (face to face) more often, and I accomplished that. It has been a real blessing.

I resolved the other day that in 2011 I will do anything and everything to improve my mobility enough that I can walk more than a block or two without giving up. It has been one of the most frustrating experiences of my life to still be dealing with the leg injury I sustained in China six months ago. Physical therapy has helped, but there's a long way to go.

So wish me luck, please, as I resolve to persevere mentally and physically!

Petrea, I wish you well -- really, really well! -- as you pursue getting your book published. I eagerly anticipate my signed copy!

Ms M said...

Love your photo! And enjoy reading everyone's comments on this topic. I don't make resolutions either; I have goals and try my best to work on them :)

Katie said...

Awesome photo! Seeing that little sliver of moon against the blue blue sky is really cool. Congrats on finishing your novel! Here's to being published in 2011.

My goals for the new year include figuring out either how to deal with my overly stressful job or finding a new one (my mom just sent me an article about a gelato school in Italy!), finishing a few mosaic projects, reading more, and deciding if I want to continue my postcard blog. We'll see how it goes.

Petrea Burchard said...

Oh, PIO, I DO wish you luck and I want so much for you to succeed. One step today, two tomorrow, three the next day and so on. And no more 12 hour work days! You can do this. (And I eagerly await my signed copy, too!)

Ms. M, I'm enjoying everyone's comments in this, too. I haven't always made resolutions. They're not for every person or even for every year.

Katie, that's a tall order! I vote for the gelato school; you can blog from Italy.

Bellis said...

I don't make resolutions any more, which means I stay happier. But I want you to resolve to get your wonderful book published in 2011. Perhaps Colleen is looking for something to follow on from the success of Helen of Pasadena?

Petrea Burchard said...

Bellis, our good friend Colleen publishes books about southern California and Pasadena, which mine is not. Good try, though!

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks, PA. Very much.

Dina said...

Mazal tov on completing something as big as a book! I hope we can read it soon.
Happy trails in the new year.

Petrea Burchard said...

I hope so too, Dina! Thanks.

Tash said...

Your book is done! How superb! I don't recall my New Year's resolution but I'm sure it had to do something with getting fit & all. Now there is a new chance in 2011. :|