What Went Right and Wrong

So, November NaBloPoMo didn’t go well at all. I think that sort of highlights a trend in my life: I often start out all gung ho about a new plan or goal, and soon lose interest or find myself spending all my energy on my next latest, greatest plan. My pile of started projects is nearly uncountably big, and has actually started to cause me a lot a stress. This is not what I want in my life.

With all of this in mind, and the end of the year rocketing towards us, I figured it was time for a bit of a personal review. I’m basing my review on the one offered  by Chris Guillebeau on his site The Art of Non-Comformity.

Before planning for 2012 (and beyond!), I need to look at what worked and what didn’t work this year. I’m tempted to jump in with what didn’t work, since that seems like it would be the easiest, but let’s start out positively, eh?

So, what worked this year? Well, reading to the little man at night has paid off really well. He’s not yet four, and can already read about 30+ simple words easily, and many more when they are in context. He’s even read a couple of simple books to me (with help). Practising his numbers and the alphabet with him, at fun and unusual times, has also worked. He’s got those down pat now too. And laying off on the toilet training until he was ready paid off in spades. Since we moved out of diapers, I can count the number of accidents he’s had on one hand. There is nothing like success to build confidence.

Taking some time away from working as also worked for me. I do miss the spending/saving/investing money, but the extra sleep and personal time has made a big difference. (I’m starting to feel a little useless though, and will likely be itching to get back to work of some time soon.)

Getting away with the husband, and by myself, also worked to a small extent. I love both the little and big man and hate to be away from them for long, but I also recognize the need to recharge myself and to spend some quality time with the husband alone. Hopefully this is something we can work more on in 2012, and maybe even include a trip for all three of us. (Hopefully that will be a “went well” next year, rather than a “went badly”.)

What didn’t work? Well, I never did get my health issues worked out, and so I’m still exhausted and much heavier than I should be. Clearly, ignoring everything in hopes that it will go away didn’t work for me at all. (Big surprise, right?)

Constantly starting new projects when the mood struck me hasn’t worked either. I’ve got too many half finished things hanging around. And rather than feeling creative and recharged, I feel trapped and overwhelmed. I feel bloated by the possibilities, rather than inspired. This is not what I want in my life.

My goal of making 2011 the year when we simplified and purged didn’t work too well either. If I’m honest, I have to admit that I like things. I have a large personal library of books and magazines, huge stashes for all my hobbies, etc, etc. I am making strides towards purging, but it is hard. And it will definitely be a continuing theme for 2012.

I’m sure I’m forgetting some things. But, really, other than the health issues, 2011 wasn’t a bad year at all. I may not look back on it with fondness in the future, but at least I can remember it with some happiness.

2 Comments

2 Responses

  1. Christine says:

    Best wishes for an awesome 2012.