Often as the end of the year approaches and the subsequent beginning of the next, new, fresh, shiny following year it is customary to set up any number of Resolutions to Improve Oneself and become a Better Person. Which is all rather good, I mean, wanting to improve and develop oneself is not a bad thing.
But what about the possible improvements made during the year which is now fading? Shouldn't they be allowed to shine a bit and get a spot on centre stage for a bit? I am painfully aware that a number of the changes I had hoped to get done in 2012 didn't really happen - but I also know that some things DID!
I DID begin to eat more fruit and veg on a regular basis. Yeah, I know it rather slipped when Misao disappeared, but I did get into the habit of sneaking in the odd extra natural source of vitamins into my diet. I even managed to get sort of into it again towards the end. Never mind it wasn't quite were it had been - it was still better than last year.
I also DID manage to start eating smaller portions. That too slipped, but is also in the process of getting back on track.
I DID bang a hole in the wall of preserving my childhood, and some of my toys have now left me for ever. And it is not petrifying me. Yeah, it isn't exactly easy either, but I am adjusting my mind and mentally packing some things to leave me next year. (I really think it was a brainwave to think of giving the things in a more direct way.)
Certain areas in my home are generally much neater on a regular basis than during previous years. And I have been able to go help friends and make their lives a wee bit easier. I have started throwing away clothes without agony. I managed to curb my yarn-buying. I have even been able to give away some of my yarn! I walked 10 km in one go!! (Let's ignore the blisters and pains for now, ok?)
Now, I know perfectly well that there are still lots of things which I can't do or can't manage, I still behave like a selfish bastard, I can't stop wanting All The Things (especially the Yarn! And Lego!) But I would be a seriously stupid git if I don't also appreciate that I am a stronger, wiser and better person now than a year ago.
So - how did you improve yourself this year?
14 Dec 2012
13 Dec 2012
On plans and planning - and the difficulty in sticking to them
It has struck me on more than one occasion that my fascination and need of plans is at times bordering on the absurd. Especially when one considers how challenging I seem to find it to stick to the plans and go through with them.
I guess it is the inherent need in me for structured conditions so I know where I stand rather than float around in the air wherever the wind takes me which collides with my rebellious and anti-authoritarian streak, which refuses to let me be tied down to Rules and Regulations and Norms and This Is The Way To Do This (even if it is myself who has so decreed).
And then there's the whole matter of making realistic plans. As in: plans which are actually achievable by real, ordinary people restricted by real, ordinary limitations such as Time At One's Disposal and Time Required To Do This Job. Which are some of the limitations I most frequently run straight into.
I seem to be getting better at it - but it seems like it's more on the scale of only putting down some 50-100 % more than is feasible, rather than the 200-300% more than is feasible of past years.
And then there is the whole issue of Planning Things To Death.
Should any Planning Experts out there who are reading this they are most welcome to share their secrets to Planning Succes. Meanwhile, I plan (ha ha) to keep trying to figure out where the balance between Too Much and Too Little lies. And to carry on laying plans because at least I can say I have tried to do something.
I guess it is the inherent need in me for structured conditions so I know where I stand rather than float around in the air wherever the wind takes me which collides with my rebellious and anti-authoritarian streak, which refuses to let me be tied down to Rules and Regulations and Norms and This Is The Way To Do This (even if it is myself who has so decreed).
And then there's the whole matter of making realistic plans. As in: plans which are actually achievable by real, ordinary people restricted by real, ordinary limitations such as Time At One's Disposal and Time Required To Do This Job. Which are some of the limitations I most frequently run straight into.
I seem to be getting better at it - but it seems like it's more on the scale of only putting down some 50-100 % more than is feasible, rather than the 200-300% more than is feasible of past years.
And then there is the whole issue of Planning Things To Death.
Should any Planning Experts out there who are reading this they are most welcome to share their secrets to Planning Succes. Meanwhile, I plan (ha ha) to keep trying to figure out where the balance between Too Much and Too Little lies. And to carry on laying plans because at least I can say I have tried to do something.
What-ho for the new year
I am going to be making my usual million plans for the new year. However, I'm going to have them looked over for a reality check. This is my attempt at learning from past mistakes, picking up things I've learned and putting them to good use and making succes more likely.
The most important step of all is probably to get a grip of my own finances during 2013 and getting to doing it all on my own.
And then there's all the plans of stashing down - not just yarn, but preferably other areas as well; getting into better shape so the Julemærke march isn't as painful and so I can fit into some of my old clothes; getting my foot into animal husbandry; doing something about all my garden dreams. And all the other things.
I think I must keep telling myself that all the messes I am in haven't happened over one day, or week, month or year. They have been steadily growing over many years. I am still not in good mental condition, though I am heaps better than I've been for a long time. Therefore, there is no shame in not being able to deal with all these matters all at once. Nor in not approaching a level of perfection in any. My goal must be to simply get things better.
Perhaps this should also include the finances. Meaning it might perhaps be ok if I don't look over my insurances and pensions and such things. It wouldn't be bad if I get those things done, but it isn't absolutely necessary for the taking over of my own finances to be a succes.
The most important step of all is probably to get a grip of my own finances during 2013 and getting to doing it all on my own.
And then there's all the plans of stashing down - not just yarn, but preferably other areas as well; getting into better shape so the Julemærke march isn't as painful and so I can fit into some of my old clothes; getting my foot into animal husbandry; doing something about all my garden dreams. And all the other things.
I think I must keep telling myself that all the messes I am in haven't happened over one day, or week, month or year. They have been steadily growing over many years. I am still not in good mental condition, though I am heaps better than I've been for a long time. Therefore, there is no shame in not being able to deal with all these matters all at once. Nor in not approaching a level of perfection in any. My goal must be to simply get things better.
Perhaps this should also include the finances. Meaning it might perhaps be ok if I don't look over my insurances and pensions and such things. It wouldn't be bad if I get those things done, but it isn't absolutely necessary for the taking over of my own finances to be a succes.
11 Dec 2012
New Beginnings
Trying to learn more about the internet and its workings - and challenging myself at teh same time. Want to try to set up a blog and try to write on a regular basis. Get teh events of the event settled and uncover what was learned. Ao the first few posts will be rather experimental I guess
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