So for every up coming New Year I do this 'thing'. It's a thing that creates more intentional havingness in my life and in turn I grow stronger, smarter and more aware as a person.
The ‘Thing’ is... Drumroll please!
I pick 3 new things I want learn in a year. Then I plan it out and put it in a new calendar or journal, old-school-style with a pencil or pen.
There could be a million different possibilities, I choose 3 to keep it simple. One of these choices could involve months of scheduled time. For instance, taking a class. Reading a set of books, completing a project, writing a book, starting a website, flying a kite or taking a trip.
Whatever that ‘Thing’ is, jot it down. 1,2,3 style. Leave a little room between each entry to include and make room for the steps you're going to take to get you there.
I like the calendar idea because once you do your research as to how your ‘Things’ are going to come about, you will want to make a schedule. That's where the calendar comes in. It's like a good friend and will hold you accountable. You can always set reminders in your google phone calendar for back-up. I think it's important to write it down and to see what you have written. It's action and that action brings the 'Thing' to life.
This idea began for me in 2004 right after my divorce. I didn't want to become stagnant. I wanted to learn and get to know myself again.
My likes, dislikes, skills and fears.
I wanted to find myself, as the phrase is so often spoken. Honestly, it is a very ambiguous term, just like resolution which is why it is so important to write it and walk it out.
My first three were;
1. Take a motorcycle class
2. Take a Spanish language class
3. Learn how to knit
I did all three and I certainly enjoyed each one. There were fears along the way, especially learning to ride the motorcycle. Fear is useful, it motivated me in the sense of staying upright so I would not crash and burn. Literally!
Under each entry I would write down and list what it would take for me to accomplish each task. It would basically look like this.
1. Learn to ride a Motorcycle
A. Find Motorcycle course
B. Enroll
C. Schedule and Make calendar entry (and then show up!)
2. Learn Spanish
A. Call community college(many of these adult classes are free)
B. Enroll
C. Schedule and Make calendar entry( Go there!)
3. Learn to knit
A. Visit a knitting shop
B. Get some good instruction ( I chose YouTube) there was a local knitting shop near my home and the lady welcomed questions. She also taught classes.
C. I purchased proper tools and yarn and started with a simple straight stitch I found on you tube. As far as coming up with a schedule I did this in my spare time. It was very relaxing and is good a good cognitive therapy.
Entries could be shorter or longer, but in essence this is the formula.
Remember you can always pick up additional ‘things’. 3 is a good number to start with so as not to overwhelm yourself. You can always add another ‘thing’ once one is accomplished. Depends on how big or difficult the task is.
Be Encouraged and don't get stuck! Just ask Father to show you the next step. The spirit is always ready to lead and guide. It will be amazing to hear all the great stories and future accomplishments! Have fun with it!
Drop me a line and let's start the new year with real goals and execute them!
Blessings and Shalom,
Candice Holtzclaw ‘Candi’
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Proverbs 1:5-7
5 Let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Matthew 7:7
Ask, Seek, Knock
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.