2009: The Year of Zen

“The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.”

James Allen

1864-1912, Author of As A Man Thinketh

As I mentioned before, I like to “name” my year prior to January 1, so I know what I’m planning and can prepare to receive it.  2008 was dubbed “The Year of Success.”  I achieved 7 out of my 10 main goals for 2008, proving that preplanning and commitment to the cause works! 

In case you’re curious, here were my accomplished goals of 2008:

Step 1. List your Top Goals for 2008 (at least 10)

1.      Get published on a regular basis. – DONE

2.      Finish my first draft of novel. – DONE (well, started and completed draft of a new novel)

3.      Begin my blog. – DONE, started 2

4.      Teach children’s writing group at library (summer ’08)and obtain PR to promote it. – DONE

5.      Reach my weight goal of 110lbs by March 26. – ugh, nope!

6.      Attend a writers’ conference. – signed up for online conference, attended 2 “classes”

7.      Conduct interviews for articles. – DONE

8.      Learn to play tennis. –No

9.      Buy a laptop. – DONE

10.  Go on a family vacation. – DONE

 

For 2009, my Year of Zen, I aim to reach a place of calm, simplicity and overall health: body, mind, spirit. No easy feat, I know, but I am determined.  Some of my goals include:

Personal/Health:

1. Aeorbics 3x/wk; yoga or pilates 2x/wk to get toned and drop a dress size
2. Limit fast food to once weekly
3. Limit Starbucks (or similar) lattes to once monthly (yikes!)
4. Download Tony Robbins Cd’s to ipod, listen daily
5. Journal at least 5x/wk, i.e. gratitude journal
6. Begin phase out of processed foods (one eliminated a month) and phase in organic eggs, meats and produce, (one added a month)
7. Schedule monthly “girls’ nights”
8. Look into company’s tuition reimbursement policy for BA college classes

Writing/Teaching:

1. Focus: essays:  parenting (MOPS themes); ACOA living/recovery; Exec. Asst. experiences and how-to’s
2. Focus: articles: on teaching young writers; volunteer organizations (interview SuperSibs, Wings!, etc.); money saving tips for families
3. Focus: fiction: market research literary magazines; revise 3 short pieces & find a home; revise NaNo novel
4. Focus: FroG classes: complete winter 09 and fall 09 classes, asking students for more input
5. Focus: Girls’ club classes: contact Anne after holidays
6. Focus: intern or partnership opp’s with 826CHI and/or W.I.T.S.
7. Take Abby’s Personal Essays class (through Writers on the Rise)

 

These are rough; some still need to go through the S.M.A.R.T. filter.

 

Please share! I’d love to hear what you are labeling the Year of 2009!

 

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