{creating myself}

resolve 2011 : time management.

Resolution #7 : Time.

Who doesn't need a little help in the time management/BALANCE department?!
I feel like finding *balance* is the toughest goal of LIFE!

I try to spend my time wisely. To me, this means a good night's rest. Lots of scheduled alone/crafting time. Time spent helping others (work). Time with friends&family. Time taking care of myself.

2011 will be a year full of balance & grace.

I will spend more time doing all of the above. I'm considering spending one night a week on a friend date. My friends are pretty scattered, meaning I don't just have ONE group of friends, I have friends in several different groups! Lovely, but it makes it hard to spend time with everyone. So a goal of mine is to spend quality time with at least one friend weekly. Also, why not have a party so my different friends can all meet&mingle together? I'm excited.

I'm going to try to keep this in mind:
8 - 8 - 8

This means 8 hours for sleep, 8 for work, and 8 for personal growth&development. If we could keep this in mind, perhaps balance would be a little easier :)

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I've had a grand ole' time talking about my goals with you this week, but honestly, I'm glad to get back to regularly scheduled programming around these parts! THere's a lot I've been wanting to share :)

One more thing before I'm over and out...


+via

Stop waiting for things to happen to you and make a choice. Create an opportunity. I have faith in you :)

Happy 2011.

resolve 2011 : challenge.

Resolution #5 : Challenge Myself.
Every day, every week, every month. Challenge myself to try something new, step out of my box.
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Some of my future monthly goals include:
* turn my blog into a book
* organize camera, films, and photos
* take a night class
* send five letters/cards a month
* take a photography workshop
* read 15 books and review them
* volunteer somewhere great
* crochet a blanket
* maintain an art journal
* blow up a favorite photo & hang it on the wall
*see sugarland in concert

I don't want to ruin them all in advance! But the best news is, I'll be sharing my goals, completed or not, here on the blog! Check back here on the first of every month. I sure love reading about people's goal lists (see this post here.)

resolve 2011 : simplify.

Resolution #5 : Simplify My Life & Just Say No.
This is pretty much an ongoing resolution, a constant item on the bucket list, if you will. It's more about what I won't do than what I will do.

It's also probably the most difficult challenge on the list, because it's the least measurable goal. You literally have to practice this resolution with each fleeting decision that you make. I've already begun trying.
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This year I realized that I have a huge problem with saying "no".
Not to drug offers or unwanted sexual advancements, but to commitments.
I tend to just agree when I'm asked to do something, donate time and products, writing guest articles, etc etc. It turns out that I'm so flattered and honored to be asked in the first place (the request usually begins with, "We think you are so fantastic and love your work blah blah") I feel guilty, unappreciative and well, bitchy, saying no.
NOW.
and this is important.
This is not to say that I will ignore any requests for giveaways, volunteer work, or collaborative projects. I'm just saying that I can't do it all. I have to limit myself. Be a little more picky and choosy. The goal is to go from saying yes to 100% of requests to around 50% of requests.
Just until they invent that cloning machine.

So this year, I'mma make like D.A.R.E. and "just say no".

resolve 2011 : health.

Resolution #4 : Feel and BE Healthy.
Was this a give-in? Probably.
Honestly, I make it a daily goal to try to make healthy choices. I eat my fruits&veggies, I work out, I sleep 8 hours, and I take good care in general.

But I could do better. And that's why Day 4 is all about health.
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Most important... physical exercise daily. This doesn't mean an hour and a half session at the gym nightly, because sometimes this just isn't feasible. It could mean yoga, zumba (holla!), or some one-on-one time with my Jillian Michaels Shred DVD. For some reason, I'm inclined to write "or a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood". But I've never done this before and probably never will. That just doesn't sound like exercise to me.

And of course, a physical exercise plan should always be followed by healthy eating. My goal is to cut out most processed foods (I've devoted a separate blog post to good food ideas and substitutions to the crap that we tend to put in our bodies.) and to do more cooking, especially since I got a new crockpot for Christmas! I would love for you to share any crockpot recipes you have on hand.

And for a better form of measuring, I'll be weighing myself weekly with a goal of losing five pounds. Then another five. And maybe another, until I feel totally healthy and satisfied.

resolve 2011 : moneymoneymoneyMONEY!

Resolution #3 : Create the road to financial freedom.
Oh, yeah... hello CHALLENGE!

You were waiting for this one, admit it.
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This resolution is three-fold!

One, completely pay off Visa bill. Self-explanatory. Pay a certain amount with each paycheck until it's paid off.

Two, create and stick to a a Student Loan debt payoff plan. You don't want to know how much debt I've accrued after seven years of college. Oh yeeeah I forgot it was totally worth it because three degrees later, I'm a hot commodity and the job offers are pouring in. (NOT!!)
What I meant to say was that I'll find a rich doctor in my field who will kindly offer to repay my student loans for me. (NOT x 10000!!!)
So yeah, I need a plan.

Three, find a well-paying job. Without it, well the first two aren't possible. C'mon, hiring lords. We can do this.

resolve 2011 : style

Resolution #2 : Create and Manage My Style.
This one is a little more of a challenge than yesterday's resolution. While I already have a "style", I would like to evolve and manage it effectively.

What does this mean?

It starts with creating a workable closet. Basically, this means purging what doesn't work, assessing what does work, and remixing items to maximize use. There is an amazing series going on right now by Kendi Everyday... very inspiring for those looking to revamp their own closets or style.

Next, I've ordered this book, Daring To Be Yourself. One of my very FAVORITE bloggers ever, Syd of the Daybook, wrote about finding her style through this book and of course I have to read it.

In evolving my style, I also plan on simplifying it. Confused? It shouldn't take longer than a minute to choose my outfit in the morning. By simplifying my style, I'm expanding my options of remixing what I already have.

Oh, and bookmarking fashion blogs, articles, clipping magazines, collecting style and outfit ideas and keeping a fashion journal? Check! I've been doing this for years.

Lastly, let's bring back Playing Dress*Up! Yay :)

resolve 2011 : creativity

Welcome to Resolutions Week at Creating Myself.
Read more about it here... I'm ready to get started!
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Resolution #1 : Do Something Creative Every Day.
I'm starting off with an easy one, since I already try to do this every day anyway. And also, it's fun.
This doesn't have to take too much time out of my day. The goal is not to make a book or a painting daily... it's just to do something.
Some simple ideas for fulfilling this goal... take a photograph. Crochet a granny square. Make a card. Write one sentence in a journal. Try a new recipe.

Another idea is to participate in the Art Journal Every Day challenge. It's a really low-key and low pressure challenge that my friend Julie is hosting. I won't be doing this in ADDITION to my daily creative thing, but it's just another option. Read about it here if you're interested in participating.
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Are you challenging yourself in 2011? Link me up.
See you tomorrow!