I am excited about the prospect of new beginnings, trying new things, and freshening up my living areas. Normally I don't make New Year's Resolutions, because they seem to peter out before the month of January ends. This year I started some resolutions before January 1st! Sounds weird? Maybe, but I found that I focus on what is important to me, rather than what I think I "should" focus on. There are two things that I began; one well before December and one in December.
I finally prioritized my artwork! December was a great jumping off point for this, as I prefer to give handmade gifts rather than something purchased at an overcrowded store. The time I spent creating each gift fulfilled my need to create and gave me some beautiful quiet time during the busy holiday season. I still don't understand how I let housework, laundry, and the never-ending to do lists take precedence over my art. Here are some of the pieces I created for Christmas gifts:
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| These Short story bracelets are made from recycled materials like dog food bags. |
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| The containers to give the bracelets were made out of toilet paper holders and sprayed with Glimmer Mist and stitched closed. |
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| Homemade tomato juice and dilly beans for my dad, complete with 50's/60's retro labels. |
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| Potted Amaryllis and PaperWhite Narcissus for the neighbors. |
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| Potted bulbs wrapped and ready to go. |
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Now I find it easy to spend five, fifteen, thirty minutes or more to work on a project or at least one step of a project in my daily life. This has brought great peace and joy to my life. I will not let go of it! The laundry and housework will always be there....waiting!
The project that I started far before December was something that I struggled with for a very long time....my weight and my health. I prayed for years, asking God to remove this burden from me. I did not want my fat to be the cross I had to bear! I recently realized that He answered my prayer in an unexpected way. I got a job at Curves in Dundee this last April. At the time, the company was promoting a new weight management program to it's employees before releasing it to it's members. I had no choice, or time to prepare. I was an employee and had to get on the program.
62 pounds later, I am grateful to God for answering my pleas. I still have 38 pounds to go to reach my ultimate goal, but this program is a lifestyle. There is nothing to count, measure, or journal. I do not have to focus on food each day, the way I did on other programs. I shop at my local grocery store and I don't ever have to eat processed, packaged food. I have already been keeping off the 62 pounds now for several months. I maintained my weight through the holidays, not even trying to lose, so that I could enjoy select treats. I did not gain! Here are my before and after pictures...so far!
