17.6.13

Minimalist Monday: Begin the Dream

I can't believe we're nearly half way through 2013, can you? Last year I chose focus as my word for the new year.

Back in December this is what I wrote. It's interesting to see how things have turned out:

The word focus will be my theme for 2013 in all aspects of my life. I feel I need to work smarter in my job and develop more routine and structure in my domestic life. On a personal level I hope to focus on
  • my writing by doing some freelance work - yes, I am in the middle of doing some writing for a website (holiday properties)
  • trying new creative pursuits (I'm not sure which yet) - yes, singing in a choir is new for me
  • reading more for pleasure - not really, I would still like to fit in more reading
  • home cooking - yes, we're cooking more from scratch and have tried new recipes
  • photography - yes my new camera has given me a lot more scope and I feel more confident
  • spending money on experiences rather than stuff - yes, we've been to see Hamlet, Tom O'Dell, Educating Rita (theatre), had a holiday in Cornwall and we're hoping to go to Moseley Folk Festival in August
  • making a home that is simple but stylish - not much home improvement yet, hopefully I will get more done in the next six months
  • creating a capsule wardrobe - yes, I keep editing my clothes (I just need to post about it!)
  • developing my blog but keeping it honest and informative - I'm still enjoying my blog and the way it's progressing. Posting five times a week on average is a lot more manageable than daily posts (how did I keep that up for six months?)
  • having fun - yes seeing friends and trying new things is fun
  • finding new ways to relax - we're doing lots more walking in the local area and I find being outside really changes my outlook and mood
I felt unsure about developing my writing and photography back then and was hesitant about publishing my dreams but I'm glad I did.

It reminds me of the Thoreau quote: 
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. 
Sometimes you have to stop dreaming and get on with making changes. Simply saying to others that you're going to do something can be the first step to realising your dreams. 



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12 comments

  1. Claire it's good to read that your "focus" list is making such wonderful progress. I loved that you quoted my hero Henry David Thoreau as he has been such an inspiration for me since I discovered him at the age of sixteen. Something else he wrote in the conclusion of "Walden" fits perfectly with your last statement.
    "In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty,nor weakness weakness. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."

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  2. Going great Claire! I was just reviewing my goals on the weekend too and noticed that I've been doing well too. It's funny how sometimes it takes just "stating the intention" and then things have a way of unravelling that way. Inviting some things in and just letting some go.

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  3. Great quote, and well done on working towards the things on your list. I contemplated the word "focus" as well for a word of the year. In the end I didn't have one, but it is a very good word to choose I think. Good luck with everything.

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  4. "Simply saying to others that you're going to do something can be the first step to realizing your dreams."

    Yes! Writing down your dreams/goals/ideas seems to be even more powerful. Congratulations for following through!

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  5. You're doing great Claire x

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  6. I think it is really neat that everyone I know who schose a one-word theme, has been presented with so many opportunities to make progress toward it. Intention determines reality. :-)

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  7. I have just recently stopped dreaming and made the first of what I hope will be many changes - I've resigned from my full time teaching job. Teaching is all consuming and my wish for the future is to have a simpler, less stressful life with more time for my family, home and myself. Financially its going to be tough, but hopefully we will manage.

    I only discovered your blog a week or so ago but have devoured many, many of your posts. Thank you so much for sharing your own journey and advice, and inspiring others like me xx

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    1. Hi Caroline, I know exactly what you mean. Good luck on your journey towards a simpler life. Thanks for your lovely comment xo

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  8. Sounds like you're really getting somewhere with all your wonderful aims. I'm always amazed by how much effort and energy you put into your blog so I'm sure you can achieve anything you put your mind to. X

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  9. You're doing great, Claire! :)

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  10. that's great, it's been interesting and inspiring! enjoy the midsummer, Heather x

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