Writing this on Monday afternoon, right after my planning session.
I figured this blog post could be a summarization of all the plans that I have made so far to have them in one place (that are not scribbled and crossed out notes), and to cement and finesse them a little bit more in my mind.
So here we go.
SIDE NOTE: I did not get to work planning as I thought I would. As expected, there was not enough time, or energy left over. That will be a whole session on it’s own, and something I won’t be sharing.
CONTINUE PRACTICING:
Drawing
I want to do this on most days of the year. When I do it regularly, I see myself improving by leaps and bounds. I want to use the momentum and inspiration of improvement to get better, and not slip back- that would be such a waste, right?!
Anywhere from 10-30 minutes count. Drawing while watching TV counts. Scribbling on the back of a receipt counts.
Writing/Blogging
Write Morning Pages for dreaming and planning and sorting my thinking EVERY DAY (except when I absolutely cannot).
Write blog posts for publishing 5 times a week most weeks (exceptions: long weekends, and vacations) to practice writing, and pouring out the stories in my mind and in my life. Because…better out than in, I think.
Training
Working out is not an option, but mandatory. Weight training, Cardio and mobility/yoga- anything counts. Make weekly plans, and keep on going.
Nutrition
Continue eating well- stress on proteins and produce and set macros- 5x a week. Enjoy, in moderation, over the weekends.
PROJECTS FOR 2025
The Beatles
Yes, I want to know what the big deal is about! I am sad to say, I have no idea! And music is not usually my jam- I would much rather pick a book to read or a podcast/audiobook to listen to. So it’s time to educate myself. To do this I have planned to do the following:
- Listen to the 12 albums- one a month
- Watch the Playlist of Music videos on YouTube
- Watch 12 Documentaries- one a month.So far I have shortlisted some, but the list may change based on availability and interest or recommendation.
- Read one book about the Beatles, not sure which yet.
Shakespeare
- Continue reading one play a month from my list and 1 long poem for December
- Also, to add to this project, I want to read all the 154 sonnets of Shakespeare. I have a book of this collection, so it should be easy to pick up and read. The average of 3 sonnets a week would take me to completing them all over the 52 weeks of the year.
Frugality
No-Buy period reinstates again in January to June. And then reassess.
This means-
- No buying clothes, shoes, accessories etc. till I really need something or need to replace something.
- No buying books. Using up credits on Audible is fine.
- Buying essentials for work- art supplies, or courses and workshops- don’t count for No-Buy. But mindfulness and intentionality should be front and center when buying something.
- Carrying snacks, drinks and water when by myself is required. One planned monthly solo date is allowed.
Also, as part of the Frugality Plan, I want to read the books I already have at home for the majority of my reading this year. I will have to borrow from the library for my book-club reading.
Fiftieth Birthday Celebration
Someone very special in my life is celebrating 50 years around the sun in 2025. I need to plan a nice celebration for that person…I have some ideas, but I’ll have to see how it takes shape 🙂
Solo Retreat
And finally, I want to plan a 4 or 5 day solo retreat for me in the summer! I did this for 4 days last year, and it was lovely- my company and getting away from things…it was something I truly needed, and was happy I was able to make it happen. This year as well, I want to get an Air B’nB somewhere outside the city, and work on art ideas besides being supremely lazy and quiet. And see where things go 🙂
That is all the planning I got to this afternoon. I am happy with how much I thought through. The muddle in my brain is now a lot more sorted out on the page, and that is a good feeling, and the magic of writing!
Tomorrow I will think about my book list.