Embracing New Beginnings: A Year of Hope and Growth
Updated: Aug 17
Setting Intentions for the New Year
Well, the New Year came and went. I waited for the moment of inspiration. I hoped for a sense of hope to descend, guiding me to create a yearly plan. I hesitate to use the word "resolution." As January faded into February, I found myself still waiting. Perhaps my heart and mind were relying heavily on the upcoming Chinese New Year, which falls on February 16th. This gives me a few more days to reflect!
While I’m not one for making resolutions, I enjoy crafting a type of "wish list" or "hopefulness agenda." These terms feel softer than "to-do list" or "resolutions," and they resonate better with my mindset. I think about what I might like to achieve before the year ends. It’s a personal suggestion box for yearly planning.
The Flexibility of Planning
This approach might stem from my teaching background. In education, we have curriculum outcomes that outline what we aim to cover in a year. However, real life often disrupts these plans. Flexibility is essential, much like a Cirque du Soleil performer. Thus, my list is elastic, malleable, and fluid in nature.
The collectanea, compendium, manifest—or list by any other name—usually includes elements of self-improvement. I aim for more exercise, more Zen moments, and perhaps a new hairstyle! A significant portion of my list revolves around writing. I plan what I’ll complete, what I’ll dabble in, and how I’ll research it. I think about short pieces, long pieces, and how much I’ll write each day.
The Reality of Writing Goals
The everyday caveat is one of those acrobatic words that requires a certain bendability. It used to be 1,000 words a day. Some days, I surpassed that goal, while on others, I struggled to reach it. There were days when writing just ten words felt like a challenge. On several occasions, the screen blinked back at me in silent sterility, with not a single word upon it. Those are bleak days. A blank page, whether in a notebook or on a screen, can feel accusatory. So you got nothing, huh? Call yourself a writer?
Personal Growth and Learning
Personal advancement is another key area I focus on. I want to learn new things, read more books, visit new places, and develop new skills. I also aim to let go of negative feelings and perform acts of kindness. Possible candidates for this year include understanding the third man psychological phenomenon, diving into Nordic noir thrillers, perfecting a sponge cake, and accepting praise without feeling like I’m showing off.
I also plan to take a few road trips just because we can and master the tumble-turn in the pool. These goals may not seem significant on a global scale. I realize I’m not writing a manifesto to change the human psyche. I’m not curing cancer or contributing to world peace. However, I believe that the things we hope for ourselves, and sometimes achieve, create ripples of goodness. These ripples might only be felt in the moment or in the life of one person. Surely, that is not a bad thing.
Mindfulness and Media Consumption
I’ll commit to watching less news. It’s often miserable and makes me feel cross. However, it does lend itself to a skill I put on my list many years ago: learning to swear effectively. I get plenty of practice watching the unfolding events around the world.
I’ll make an effort to be less obsessive about cupboard doors being left open or people discovering laundry just as I finish the last load. I’ll remain open to advice, listen without an agenda, and try to be less fatigued by bewildering behavior. I won’t wonder what is wrong with me when people say terrible things about me. Instead, I’ll try to believe the positive things they say about my work. I will strive to be steadfast, kind, and creative.
A Diverse List of Hopes
Once again, this is not a great or particularly measurable list. It’s just a farrago of hotchpotch concepts and desires—a trivial mélange of hopes for the coming year.
Most importantly, I’ve already placed at the top of my list the words be grateful. Grateful for health, safety, creativity, family, love, friendship, laughter, tranquility, happiness, the sea, beauty, clean air, home, and the peace of mind to dream.
A New Chapter Awaits
New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today, carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change.
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