Friday, January 2, 2015

New Year's Goals


I love this time of the year ... it reminds me of Rainer Maria Rilke's quote: And now we welcome the New Year. Full of things that have never been.

I think last year was the first year I didn't make many goals ... I was too sick for the first couple of months and it took a couple more to get used to the new medication to control the migraines. But they've worked out well, thank God. I remember how pleased I'd be with myself if I wrote anything those first few months. My daily goals persist: Read Bible, Pray, Write, Walk. But this year I want to be more intentional about not wasting precious time and staying focused on fewer projects so that I complete them. I get distracted with shiny new ideas ALL the time. Oh, look, a bird! 

Marcia Hoehne has a lovely post on New Year's Words. Last year it was Patience ... and it was exactly what I needed to cultivate in all aspects of my life, including writing. The year before it was Fiat!

This year's word came to me sometime mid-Dec. It is Clarity. As I prepared my goals for this year, I had a clearer sense of purpose. I want to begin work on a new novel and of course, with two of them clamoring for attention, I need clarity to decide which one to focus on so that I can finish. Earlier there were three, so I'm making progress :) And there are always the short projects. I doubt I could ever give those up ... there is an incomparable joy in having a perfect little poem or story. They're like these photos -- capturing moments I want to remember.

I am looking forward to turning 50. If my 40s were wracked with the joys and pains of turning to Jesus, I cannot imagine what living in His Word is going to bring. He has already given me a peace that I cannot explain. 

I want to walk more on the beach! I hope these photos taken by Max and Dagny inspire you too. Wishing you all a happy and healthful New Year, filled with all God's blessings upon you.

Sunset by Dagny


Sunset by Max

7 comments:

Faith E. Hough said...

I'll be praying that you have great clarity and peace in 2015!
The photos are gorgeous, as always--and so is Dagny! She's really growing up.

Leandra Wallace said...

Love how the sunset is reflected in the water! And I also love that you're celebrating birthdays, instead of being down about them. I was having a bit of a thirties-moment last night and then had to give myself a stern talking to. I always think back to this quote: Never regret growing older, it is a privilege denied to many. I try and remember it too, when I get sad about the kidlet growing up. Anyhoo, hope your 2015 is wonderful!

Rose Green said...

Oh, wow, those are lovely photos! I definitely need to spend time remembering the warmth of Charleston right now (tonight's forecast: windchills down to -50).

Clarity is a wonderful word for 2015!

Evelyn said...

Love the pictures, especially the sunsets!!!!! So glad you live in such a beautiful place. Blessings, Ev

Mirka Breen said...

Years ago someone told me that my birthstone (aquamarine) stood for courage and intellectual clarity. I'm not much for crystal-faith, but I embrace the need for courage combined with intellectual clarity anytime.

Here's to *CLARITY,* then. All the best for you and your beautiful family, Vijaya.

Vijaya said...

Thanks so much for the good wishes and compliments on the photos. The kids sure do a nice job.

Faith, thank you for your prayers and I cannot believe Dagny is 13 and a smidge taller than me.

Leandra, do you remember Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally? I love when she's crying and say it's because she'll be 40 one day. My mom died at age 51 ... so yes, I am very thankful to be alive and want to live long enough to become a grandmother.

Rose, it's only because I was a scientist that I remember the way things are at -20 or -40 or -80 (deg C, of course, but FYI -50F is remarkably close to -40C)

Ev, thank you.

Mirka, yes to courage + clarity. One needs the former to act.

Marcia said...

Gorgeous photos, as always. Everything looks so peaceful! Wow, the kids are really growing up.