Looking back

In case my last post wasn't overly introspective (haha), I think I need to look back on the year. After reading other people's blogs so far this year, I am realizing how important it is to acknowledge what has been and to be cognizant of what can be.

The year 2011 held many changes, which as you know seem to be propelling me into even more rapid changes this year. I went from studying for my Early Childhood Education diploma to applying to a myriad of universities and settling on University of Waterloo. I've decided to take a French major, possibly with an English minor. A wonderful friendship turned into an even better relationship which of course has its challenges but is mostly incredible! I started going to a home church which has welcomed me with open arms and been the balm to my soul in so many ways. I took on a new role which allows me to use my love of French in the community and provide support to families who want their kids to learn/continue speaking French, and that sort of thing is really exciting to me.

This year, I don't want to set resolutions but do want to set goals or things to work on...I find the word 'resolution' has some negative connotations, that's all.

I want to grow in compassion. That's always a challenge, and I want to make sure that I am motivated by love and not pity. Pity doesn't help. Along with that, I want to be more giving, and learn how to give financially while on a limited budget, but also of my time and resources and even my heart. (Haha, corny, I know.)

I want to not shy away from conflict but not seek to cause it either. Conflict can be healthy and I want to learn to manage it properly and in a way that respects all parties.

I want to get back into running. From running two to three half-marathons a year to doing one 10k this year, I'm trying to reassess my running goals and play more soccer as well, hopefully. I'm hoping to start training for a spring race. I plan to start going to yoga somewhat regularly as that would hopefully help minimize running injuries too. One day I'll qualify for Boston... ;)

I want to learn to share. In some ways I identify with the toddlers I spend time with; sharing is not natural to anyone although some people seem to challenge that notion. I think I am blessed to know some of the most generous people on the planet and I want to learn from them. I want to figure out how I can be part of a collective economy or whatever Shane Claiborne calls it- how I can share my resources with others in a way that promotes lifestyles that are kind to the planet and to each other (eg. sharing a vehicle or a space).

I would really like to go on a writer's retreat. The thought of maybe one day making it to Sage Hill or Banff or one of those makes me salivate, haha. I want to take steps toward one day getting published, which right now mainly means to keep writing, which is a challenge to balance with school work, but I want to make this a priority. I'd like to take courses so I could learn to illustrate someday, too.

I'd like to travel somewhere cool at least once this year, which might be interesting on a student budget, but maybe it could happen. It doesn't hurt to dream, right? :)

Okay, so this short post turned into a longer post than intended, so I should stop it there.

What goals do you have for yourself? Or maybe for others around you? haha.

Thanks for reading!~