Nurturing: Erin’s fourth quarter 2010 resolutions
My fourth and final set of 2010 resolutions started the first of October, but have been delayed a bit as I’ve been trying to wrap up my third quarter “Finish It!” goals. My son’s baby book is almost finished, and then I’ll have worked through a page and a half of previously unfinished tasks.
In the third quarter, I’ve had my house’s electrical box rewired, the clothes dryer fixed, the garbage disposal repaired, I sold my spinning wheel and roving, went through a home re-uncluttering effort, and finished my next book proposal (though I haven’t had the courage to send it on to my agent yet). I also passed along all of my son’s baby clothes to my nephew and dozens of other small tasks that had been hanging out on my to-do list for far too long (some unfinished items had been there for a few years). For those who are new to Unclutterer, so far this year I’ve also worked on increasing my energy levels during the first quarter of 2010 and embarking on new adventures during the second quarter.
My fourth quarter resolutions for 2010 are all about nurturing the things that matter to me most.
Like most of you, my friends and family are at the top of my list of what is most important in life. I’ve cleared the clutter so I can spend more time with those I love and laugh with them and let them know how much I appreciate them — but I still don’t feel like I’m doing enough. Actually, I know I’m not doing enough.
I have nine things on my list of what truly matters to me in this world. Over the next two and a half months, I’m going to focus all of my energy on nurturing these nine things. I have very specific goals related to my nurturing theme, but since most of them are extremely specific (naming friends and family members outright), I’ll post just a few here to give you a general idea of my actions:
- Make a care package for my mother-in-law for her to enjoy after her surgery in November. (Nurturing family.)
- Acquire a treadmill so I can continue to run four times a week even when the weather is nasty cold. (Nurturing my health.)
- Take a music class with my son. (Nurturing my son.)
After clearing the clutter, have you invested in the things that matter most to you? Or, are you still letting not-so-important matters clutter up your time? During the fourth quarter, consider creating resolutions that are focused on nurturing the things that really matter and enjoying the benefits of an uncluttered life.
6 comments posted
Posted by Michele Connolly, Get Organized Wizard - 10/20/2010
Good luck with your 4Q resolutions, Erin.
I’ve just set some goals for myself for this last quarter too. It feels great to have specific things to work toward!
Posted by David Carlson - 10/20/2010
My first day reading Unclutterer; thanks to my Publication Coach, Daphne Gray-Grant for the link and the interview with you. I intend to put my daily plan in writing, along with the reading log suggested in one of the Extreme Writing Makeover lessons. Franklin Planner helped a lot in my career at 3M. Now my career is called retirement, and that requires active planning. I do get things done, but the plan is in my head. My day starts as always with prayer and meditation at dawn, and a brief verbal plan exchange with my wife. When I’m not scheduled to work for pay, my plan proceeds with staring at my yard, and spending two hours working on something outside.
Posted by Marrena - 10/20/2010
Consider the treadmill carefully. Treadmills and toddlers do not mix. You might want to consider diversifying with lunges or some other sort of aerobic exercise that can be done inside without toddler-fascinating equipment.
Posted by Terry - 10/20/2010
I started the year with monthly resolutions like more contact with friends and family, try new things, etc. It worked pretty well for me until September, when I ran out of motivation.
You sold your spinning wheel?!?! I want to take lessons because I need another yarny hobby. (Maybe reducing my sarcasm should be a resolution for November.)
Posted by SJ - 10/21/2010
Our local YMCA has memberships that can be put on hold for the summer (or any time of year) – it’s a far less expensive method of joining a gym if you prefer to run outdoors in the good weather, and saves the clutter and expense of a treadmill. There’s even babysitting (although we don’t use it as we tend to go one at a time and leave the other parent home with the kiddos.
Posted by Lynn - 10/21/2010
Echoing Terry: you sold your spinning wheel? I had one in the 80′s and early 90′s, sold it when we moved halfway across Texas, bought another [used] one just like it a couple of years ago, and my reward for finishing the get-out-of-debt project will be the ordering of a magnificently inlaid custom wheel; in the meantime, I am planning on getting a Lendrum wheel next year, with its double treadles [considering it an adjunct to my existing exercise program as well as an important part of my mental health program]. Treadmill, shmeadmill.
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