Friday, December 31, 2010

2010 reflections .... and being more resolute in 2011

I've been spending some time today reading other bloggers' resolutions for 2011, and started feeling a bit inspired.   I don't tend to make resolutions -- I have tried in the past, but I just don't seem to follow them very well.   However, I'm thinking that maybe .... just maybe ..... if I post up a few here, I just might be more likely to focus on following them.

It's funny to realize that it's already the end of another year.   Admittedly, time seems to pass pretty quickly for me (thus the title of this blog), but looking back, it's been a pretty good year.  In my personal life, there were a few ups and downs, and in my blogging life, a few ups and downs as well --- but more ups than downs.  I started this blog originally just to share my thoughts on the books I read, and I've really enjoyed not only doing that, but participating in memes, and making some friends in the blogging community.   I'm grateful for each follower, and each commenter .... and quickly, want to share on two of the more awesome things that happened to me this year.

The recent Random Magic tour has been so much fun --- just reading the book was a fantastic experience, but participating in the tour was something completely different for me, and it really made me stretch myself creatively.  Completely enjoyed myself.  And completely enjoyed my email conversations with Sasha Soren, as well --- as a result, my writing style in my reviews just might be a bit freer from now on.
 
And ... completely grateful for the Merry Sisters of Fate contest that I entered (my entry post is here).   I won this bag (which I use all the time for my books) --- but the really cool thing was that entering this contest meant I had to gather a bit of courage and write something.  You wouldn't think this would be a big deal, but for me, after years of not writing any poems, it meant feeling a bit naked.... and going for it anyway.  Very glad I did.  And I still love my poem.


So -- on to the resolutions.  Thanks for bearing with me on that first part.  I have 3 blogging resolutions (should be easy to stick to these), and 3 personal resolutions (if I post them up, I will feel compelled to make an effort on these).   And Happy New Year!!!!!!
1. Comment more.  I tend to read a lot of posts, but I don’t always leave a comment to let the blogger know I’ve been there.  I’m going to get better about this.
2. Don’t worry about reviewing every single book I read.  Sometimes, I just want to read (or re-read) a book and not take any notes. I need to stop feeling guilty about not sharing my thoughts on everything I read.
3. Participate more fully in my memes.  I don’t always have time to visit around to as many other bloggers on Tuesdays and Fridays, but I’m going to make more of an effort.


1. Be more patient when driving.  I tend to grit my teeth and make up nasty combinations of words for other drivers (“festering pus-ball” for example), especially for those driving under the speed limit.  I’m going to make more of an effort to not want to punch these people.
2. Finding something to be grateful for every day.  I am no PollyAnna Sunshine, to be sure --- but it’s too easy to get drawn down into seeing all of the negatives in the world.  I can find at least one thing each day to be happy about, even if I have to really think about it.
3.  Be kinder.  In general, but especially to myself.  I sometimes fall into an awful habit of being really unkind to myself, and I really excel at it.  And I need to stop.  :)

7 comments:

barmybex said...

Happy New Year.
Love your resolutions, many of them ring true for me too.
'festering pus-balls?' hadn't thought of that one, thanks :D
hehe.

Your poem was really good too. Hope next year brings you more magic and wonder. Have a great one :D

Ms. Becky said...

Hi Jo
I'm hoping that your resolutions bring you much joy in the coming new year. I have only one - to give more love every day in every way. I'm finding it's the key to my happiness. I love that you write poetry and your poem is a true inspiration to me.
You know what? I was gifted a Kindle for Xmas. and it's the coolest thing I own second to my camera. I was a vociferous reader when I was younger but now? Not so much, and that's changing already.
Wishing you a healthful new year with lots of light and love.

Anonymous said...

Bravo~ I like all of your "new" commitment ideas. I wish you the best in follow through as the new year unfolds at your feet.
I am afraid I do the same with commenting on blogs I have been working on that one as well.
Peace~
Dawn

Amanda Makepeace said...

Happy New Year Jo! I definitely should make a resolution to comment more. I got a little sidetracked after my surgery in September and then all of as sudden it was the Christmas shopping season. I feel like I lost the last 4 months of the year. Six months if you count I was sick for 2 months before they realized it was my gall bladder. LOL You blog was one I missed out on. :( Here's to a healthy and prosperous 2011!

Pat said...

You have some outstanding resolutions here. I hope to be kinder, too. Good luck with your poetry writing, though I'm sure you don't need luck. My mom was also a librarian and an avid reader...and all 3 of my siblings are (and were) avid readers, but not I. Reading was always a slow process for me and I'm still a very slow reader, though I read books occasionally...not as much as many other people do. I attribute it to my diplopia and the not-so-great reading-processing part of my brain.

Happy New Year!

JoAnn said...

Excellent resolutions... wish I'd included the first two in my own list! Happy New Year!

Teacher/Learner said...

I love your resolutions, and am especially touched by the nonreading ones. I've never made New Year's resolutions before either, but blogging can change that in an instant ;)

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