One more chance to change and grow
I don’t do resolutions, so last year I set some goals for this year. I thought I would like to learn how to knit and how to write calligraphy. Let me tell you the progress that I made on both of those things: zero. You know why? I investigated both of them early on in the year, but I didn’t know the right tools to buy. And money got a little tight this year, so I didn’t feel right about investing in new hobbies. Maybe in 2005 I will make a little progress on one of those. Here’s hoping. They are still both things that I am interested in learning.
Meanwhile, though, I don’t exactly feel like a failure. I did a lot of things in 2004 that are worth noting.
I went without so much as snitching a single french fry for the entire year. For the first time in my life, I have exercised regularly, and I am seeing the results. I can touch my toes. I can fit into clothes that I thought were lost to me forever. More than weight, I have a healthier body image than I have had in a long time.
At this point, I have read almost 70 books this year, with a few still in progress.
At work, I started a book club and recently started a new position.
I worked hard on my friendships this year, taking risks, sticking with them when it was hard. It hasn’t been easy, but I feel that I am making progress.
Mike and I bought a new house, and I picked out the paint colors. Which was a big deal for me, because home decorating and crafts are both areas where I feel woefully inadequate.
Mike and I have also grown closer in many ways, both of us making concerted efforts to grow in vulnerability. Every year, I feel that we know each other so much better. At the same time, I see that we have so much more to learn about one another and about our relationship. It’s an interesting combination, but we have made progress and I have seen both of us be very brave.
It hasn’t been an easy year by any means. One of the hardest yet. But I have accomplished quite a few things that I am proud of, and I want to celebrate those instead of the areas where I feel more like a failure.
What are you most proud of in 2004?
December 21st, 2004 at
I made 2 comic books, went back to school and finished, and got out of the warehouse (but that wasn’t my doing)
December 21st, 2004 at
Well, you took the initiative to find the way out of the warehouse.
December 21st, 2004 at
I think that if I hadn’t hurt my knee I never would have thought to go back to school. So I’ll say that was a God thing.
December 21st, 2004 at
I got to met you Kari! I was gonna post something along these lines… now I really have or Im gonna be labeled a copy cat. Ether way, I dont care. Im also gonna post my books of the year, are you planning on doing that?
Also, I really like how Mike and you always seem to be learning something about each other. I think one of the lies of marriage is that you have to know everything about a person before you tie the knot, which of course isnt true, its not possiable really. So, its been neat to watch you guys from a distance.
December 21st, 2004 at
I got to a settled place about my vocation, finally.
December 21st, 2004 at
I have a list of books, but I hadn’t planned on posting it. I can send it to you if you want to see it, Alisa.
December 21st, 2004 at
I found the courage to adopt unpopular stances, and the grace to be okay with myself.
December 21st, 2004 at
After years of talk, I actually moved away for and started college.
December 21st, 2004 at
I started college.
I didn’t kill myself or anyone else while driving.
I didn’t go broke from all the Taco Bell I ate while at college.
December 22nd, 2004 at
Kari,
That’s awesome that you stuck to those things. I, however, am still trying to figure out what I will be sticking to this upcoming year…
December 23rd, 2004 at
Good question, Kari. Nothing jumps to mind. Now I’m gonna have to think about it.
December 23rd, 2004 at
my first thought is improvement in guitar playing and performing. i got together with one of the other youth leaders and i played and we sang a competent, if not yet rousing, cover of “not enough” for the kids last week.
oh, and beating brian for the NC contingent’s rmfo.net tennis championship. that rocked!