12 in 2012

This year I'm hoping to be in a state of flux.  Not necessarily the indifferent, anxiety provoking flux, but rather the continuous change or movement associated my word of the year kind.  Without going into detail, this is a list of my heavy hitters for 2012. 

  1|  Attend brand camp with Hey, Sweet Pea
  2|  Squam in the Fall
  3|  Take a homesteading class
  4|  Take a trip to Lincoln for a non-agenda weekend with my sister 
  5|  Return to yoga
  6|  Write 5 lines of gratitude daily
  7|  Get my garden going at the new house
  8|  Make a date with the specialist I've been putting off
  9|  Run the Tour de Fleurs 10K in the Fall
10|  Go on vacation
11|  Work on my personal style
12|  Do one thing this year that scares me

See how I did

2012 Word of The Year

Simon Christen | Eloquent Pixels

When I started this blog, my goal was to hold myself accountable to the life I wanted to lead.  It was to be a record of that journey as well as a platform to share what's important to me with others.  To say it out loud; so to speak.  Last month I started pondering if a shift in my writing had taken place.  I typically sit down in December and go over the last year.  Not so much to see if I failed at my resolutions, but rather to tally up what I did and did not do.  My writing seemed to go through cycles.  Part me, part what I thought you wanted to hear.  Truthfully, I spent too much time worrying about what others were doing and occasionally got caught up in "I must follow." 

This time of year there is so much pressure to write something profound versus prosaic.  Words that lead you to believe that the author has some how got it all figured out.  Worksheets, grandiose goals, and mantras have polluted the blogosphere and I somehow feel like I have to keep up. 

Frankly, I don't have it all figured out.  Not sure if I ever will, but I do know that I want this blog to continue being the space that holds me liable for my best life.  I want it to inspire, be adventurous, and knowledgeable.

All that being said, I do have a word for 2012 because, despite what the bandwagon does or doesn't do, I believe that having one word that you can say and post on sticky notes around your house can remind you of all the poetic things you want to do this year.  It should be based on where you are in your life, which is determined after en evaluation of your needs, your wants, and what is actually doable.  Throw in a little of something that scares you and you're bound to be successful. 

My word for 2012 is ACTION.  After my yearly assessment I realized that I'm a great dreamer and an even better planner, but that's about as far as it goes.  When it comes to actually making something happen, I often times fall short, especially in regard to my dreams.  This is a year for movement.  To not only put on paper what I want out of this year, but to actually start putting my feet to the pavement and making it happen. 

Here's to seeing ACTION this year. 

Cheers!

January 4(for) Green Acres Challenge

These monthly challenges are your opportunity to cultivate your own acres. They are designed to challenge your creativity, test your will power, and pull your awareness to the footstep you are leaving behind.

By participating in these challenges and sharing them with others you are spreading the message. Over time, those around us will be making better choices as well. The goal is not to change how you live your life, but rather think about the implications of those choices and tweek them for the best outcome.

JANUARY CHALLENGE: CLEAR A SHELF

Often times we get caught up in all the stuff. The kind of stuff that we want, the stuff we don't want, and all the stuff in between. Before you know it, your home and your life is full of stuff. There was a time I had a strong conviction to live with only what I could put in my car. That is how I moved to Texas. There was freedom in that kind of living, although a therapist would probably say it had more to do with fear of grounding than being able to pick up at a moment's notice. Today I can no longer carry my home in my car, and that comes with a lot of guilt. One does not need this stuff, but where do you draw the line between living life and living sustainably?

I've referred to this book before but it's a truly interesting concept. In Radical Simplicity by Dan Price he demonstrates how to live with just his basic needs. Anything that does not fit into the basics isn't in his possession.

food | water | shelter | fuel | clothing

A bit radical, I admit, but it's a start, and something to think about for this month's challenge. What are your basic needs? Define them before moving on. They can include categories such as crafts, technology, books (knowledge), etc. What do you need to live your life every day?

Since January is the dead of winter, and believe or not, is the season for cleansing and rebirth, this challenge is designed to focus on just that; cleansing. This month I encourage you to purge your mental and physical belongings that are only weighing you down. Clean out the pantry, your closet, your makeup bag, the attic or storage closet but don't throw anything away. Ask yourself this question when going through your things? Does this item meet my basic needs? If it doesn't fit, it doesn't stay.

The Rules:
1. If you have the time, sort through everything I listed above and then some. The goal is to at least clear a shelf.

2. Don't throw anything away! This is a 4(for) green acres challenge after all. Utilize Craig's list or ebay to sell items, figure out what you can recycle, or give items to local charities and other organizations. The trash can is the absolute last resort.

While I most likely will never live as radical as Dan Price, I believe in his point that life shouldn't be all about the stuff. Living a 4(for) green acres life is being to look around at the beauty and not about material possession. That's what makes this month's challenge so interesting. But I must warn you; Opportunities manifest themselves when you clear the clutter. You are making way for change.

 "when you're willing to give something up the rewards are always way more interesting than what you had." ~Dan Price

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Excited about the challenge and want to spread the message? Grab a 4(for) green acres project badge for your blog by using this code to let others know you're growing your own greener acres. I've added the badge to the sidebar as well.

<center><a href=" http://www.indigo26.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee362/abullock26/4GA125x125BADGE.jpg"/></a></center> 

DECEMBER CHALLENGE: RETHINK THE WRAP

Monthly Chronicle

As I sat to collect all that has happened this month I am amazed at how much I squeezed into the month.  Life is full and nothing short of wonderful, despite the losses.  
  
+ Chopped off the rest of my hair at Osgood O'Neil.  That makes over 14 inches I've cut off this year.


+  Attended the Handmade Holiday event at West Elm and found a lovely little gift from Red or Gray Art for my sister.


+  First time to check out the Dallas Flea.  I'm so inspired by indie artists.


+  My nephew had his first birthday.  Such a handsome little man. 


+  I purchased my first Christmas tree and decorated for the holidays.


+  Participated in the annual Salvation Army Angel Tree and I had so much fun shopping for my angels.


+  My mom came for a visit with her friend and it was fun to have a house full of guests.


+  During the visit we did a lot of shopping, but we also attended Kodachrome Christmas.

+  On a sad note; a personal tragedy with Ollie.  


+  Started updated the shop office.  Fresh paint, new furniture and flooring.  


+  Started the 12 days of Christmas tradition with cc and she loved it! 


+  We took a day trip over to Denton to visit a lady we actually met at the Dallas Flea. We purchased a piece of her repurposed furniture for my office.


+  The exterior of the house if getting a makeover. We are updating the color with a fresh coat of paint.  


+  We had mini carolers at our house.  5-6 children with their mothers stopped by to wish us a Merry Christmas.  


+  We kept our annual tradition of decorating sugar cookies.  


+  Attended a beautiful Christmas Eve service and realized I had maybe found balance in my life after all. 


+  I had lunch with an old friend that was long over due.  It was good to visit with her.


+  I had a blast with the December challenge.  Making gift wrapping a creative experience elevated the experience and I actually enjoyed the process.


+  Decided to take a chance on putting myself out "here" more and started the challenges, this chronicle page, and my seasonal recording page.  


+  We ended the month by running our second business through New Year's and went to sleep on the 31st very happy.  


I'm looking forward to a very adventurous 2012.  

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November Chronicle