While I don't usually make New Year's resolutions I've decided to not pick a word of the year either. My life is way to fluid at the moment to pin down all the thoughts I have on what is to come either one word or a list of what I want to achieve.
I didn't do either of these for 2016 either and it definitely helped reduce the stress because I didn't have any preconceived notions of what I was supposed to do. Going with the flow has distinct advantages.
I won't say that I don't have a lot of things that I want to accomplish this year because I most certainly do but I've decided to not make a formal list or set any time frame for the vast majority of it. Just being "in the moment" and carving out as much creative time as possible will yield the results I hope for naturally.
There are a few things that are currently unknown that will play a big part on how these first months will go. First my step dad is living his final days. His Mesothelioma returned a year ago and he decided not to get it treated this time. At 83 and knowing how rough it was the first time, I certainly respect his decision. We don't know if this means that we have days, weeks or a few months left with him but when the end comes there will be a lot of changes for my mom and I'll be helping as much as I am able.
To add to all that uncertainty, my boss is selling the business and retiring this year. The new company has mentioned me going to work for them but we haven't had any discussions yet as to what that means...temporary during the transition or permanent, how many hours they are considering and all the other things that come with a new job. So as of right now I have no clue as to how much sewing time I will have each week once that shift happens. Time will tell.
As in the past, I'm not joining in at this point any of the blocks of the month or quilt alongs with one exception.....Thimble Blossoms' Swoon Quiltalong in her celebration of 10 years in business. I've been wanting to make a big Swoon quilt for a long time and now I'm going to at least get it started. I have the pattern and the fabric that I'm using.
It is Jeanne Morrison's True Colors. It's going to be bright and colorful and I can't wait to see the first blocks completed. You can follow along too with the Instagram hashtag #swoonalong.
I've already made good progress on getting back to sewing. My newest quilt design is on the frame and I should have it done soon so that I can share all of the details with you.
The new year holds endless possibilities but for me right now not putting any sort of expectations on myself is the right thing to do. While it's not the way I usually operate, I'm going to take each day as it comes and do the best that I can. Hopefully in the end, things will work out well and by this time next year I'll have a great recap to reflect back on.
Whatever your own goals are for this new year, I wish you all the best on realizing them.
5 of you added your own colorful comments:
Michele, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. The days, weeks, months ahead will be demanding enough so you are wise to not include the added pressure that comes with resolutions and lists.
I considered participating in the swoon along as I have always wanted to make a Swoon quilt too. Realistically, I have too many other things that need to be completed first. I look forward to following along though and seeing everyone else's master pieces.
I have long been a proponent of making a resolution to not make a list of resolutions. Living life as it comes is good. I do keep a running list of projects "of interest" so I can be reminded that I wanted to explore the ideas more instead of forgetting them.
Thanks for mentioning the Swoon-along. There is one that has been on my radar since I saw it but I haven't tackled it. Perhaps now is the time for me to look into that more closely.
Wishing you lots of good things in 2017, and unexpected joys in the more challenging times.
I am with you ...less stress whenever possible. It's ok to make the word of the year "no". Good luck with your family and job . That is always the priority. Hugs and prayers.
Good luck with everything! Just remember to breathe....sometimes when I get too stressed just that reminder helps calm/slow me down enough to cope.
Certainly know that feeling you are having right now. Removing any unnecessary stress is good - concentrate on 'self' once in a while as it will help you get thru the rough times.
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