I may be a few days late, but here is my New Year's post. To start, I want to acknowledge that I totally borrowed my headline from Paper Source. It's their registered trademark, but I'm not making any money off this blog, so I am sure it won't be a problem.
Last year, I wrote within these pages that I was not making resolutions for the new year. So too, this year. Resolutions are things to be forgotten, usually quickly.
As I think about the coming year, I focus on some broad themes around which I will guide my life.
Creativity
The idea of creativity has been on my mind a lot lately. I even wrote on the subject in a posting right before Christmas.
Creativity will be the dominant theme in my life this year. I want to continue exploring my photography, being fueled by positive feedback I have received from a number of people. While on a day-trip to Provincetown during my Boston visit, Andy and I wandered into a photography gallery. I was drawn to some images by a particular artist and was tempted to buy a couple of pieces. Andy stopped me saying, "You're as good as this. Make your own." So that's what I will do.
Despite the erratic nature of my blogging over the last year, I want to recommit to my writing. I need to get back to reading other blogs, drawing inspiration from the various writing styles and interests of my fellow bloggers. It is they who originally drew me into this world, and as difficult as it can be to make the time for this, I enjoy the process of reading and writing.
I also want to do more cooking. I've been finding joy in creating menus for parties large and small. Andy and I both like to entertain, so I want to do more of that, creating settings in which to bring together interesting people.
The theme of creativity will keep me motivated at work as well. I don't often write about my job in this blog, believing that there are more interesting things to think about. But I'm doing something really cool at work -- I'm part of a team that has been developing a new culinary school. This work is going well beyond my job description, but I'm having fun with it. I'll write about this in an upcoming post.
The Future
Last year I wrote that one of my goals for 2009 was to dramatically build up my professional network within South Florida. I'm happy to report that I've made great strides with that, and the fruits of my labors are making themselves known. Even as I write, two non-profits have approached me about joining their boards. My friends, I've arrived in Miami.
I'm going to continue this networking, as it helps me in my life and in my work. I have no idea where my professional life will lead me, but I know one thing: it is the people in my life who will guide my professional future.
There is also a practical step I am taking: saving money. I've decided that if I want to be open to opportunities in the future, I need a cushion. A number of people have talked to me about starting a consulting practice at some point in the future. That will take money. I've also had a dream of opening a store someday. More money. While I'm not hurting financially, I told Andy that I want to bank a ton of money to give both of us flexibility in the future.
Balance
Life is all about balance. Compared to a lot of other people, I'm a pretty well balanced guy. I keep work in perspective (most days) and I make time for creative outlets. I spend time with my partner and with his (our) kids. Owning a house adds pressure, but thanks to Andy being here, I've got that under control.
My health is a bit out of balance, primarily how I feel. I want to drop 20-30 pounds, which is a big endeavor and not an easy one at that. No one tells me I'm heavy and my doctor has not told me to lose weight, but I just don't feel good. I want to go back to my yoga practice, but it's not feeling comfortable right now.
Perhaps 2010 will be the year I get that part of my life in balance.
Comments