Mission

Bibliophiliac is the space where one passionate, voracious reader reflects on books and the reading life. You will find reviews, analysis, links, and reflections on poetry and prose both in and out of the mainstream.

A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us. Franz Kafka

Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year's Resolutions

For the Blog
1.  Come up with some sort of system for keeping track of books I plan to review.  Piles wobbling in various nooks and corners really is not a system....
2.  Read deliberately.  Despite all the challenges and posts about setting goals for numbers of books, I'd like to be more thoughtful about what I read, and take my time if need be.  It isn't a race or a competition.
3.  Comment more frequently on other blogs.  I'm a lurker. My intentions are good:  I tell myself I'll go back and comment when I have more time.  There is no such thing as more time.
4.  Be more me.  I want to be more relaxed, conversational, and real.  And if I lose readers (loud snoring in the background) so be it.  I'd like my blog to be reflective of me, and have my real voice (oh, I do sound like a schoolmarm some days).
5.  Think about an actual lifetime reading plan.  Or not. It seems like such a good idea.
6.  Seriously, stop worrying every time someone drops me from Google reader or stops following.  Sheesh.

For My Life
1.  Figure out what I can control and what I can't, and then let go.  So I never thought I would be the sole provider for my family.  Guess what, lots of other women are in the same position.  Things will get better.
2.  Make a gratitude list every once in a while.  Two lovely daughters.  Sweetest husband in the world.  Who brings me coffee every morning.  That kind of stuff.
3.  Use those meditation CD's my Mom keeps sending me.  I should be the most blissed out woman on the planet by now.
4.  Write every day.  Admit to yourself this is what you want to do, and do it.
5.  Be kind.  Can't hurt.
6.  Try using that gym membership.  Sheesh again.

That seems like enough for one year.  And my wish (this is going out to the universe)  enough jobs for all.  And while we're at it, enough love for all.  Why not?

Resolutions?  Comments?

You can link  it up here at Bookworming in the 21st Century.  Thanks Kristen, that was fun!

16 comments:

Irene Palfy said...

I am with you on your universal wishes - and: Good luck with all your goals!!

Melody said...

I usually don't set New Year's Resolutions...or I do, but they happen sometime mid-year...but some of yours really resonate with me. Thanks, and good luck. :)

Sam (Tiny Library) said...

I'm with you on your first book resolution and about reading not being a competition or a race. I hope to read slowly and savour some beautifully written books this year.

Unknown said...

I love the idea of a Gratitude list! I tried keeping a joy journal one time, but wasn't very good about keeping up with it. All the same, I know it's so important to dwell on the positive :)

And what the heck is a lifetime reading plan?? That sounds like a lot of pressure!

Anonymous said...

hope you have a great year lisa wonderful resoloutions ,all the best stu

Anonymous said...

I have been in the position of being the sole bread winner and it is tough, but you'll get through it. Luckily my husband found a job after almost a year of being laid off. I wish for more jobs for those out of work.
Have a great 2011

bibliophiliac said...

@Frl. Irene--wouldn't it be nice if everyone could have what they need?
@Melody--thanks for stopping by, and Happy New Year!
@Sam--maybe we could start a challenge to "read slowly and savour"!
@Katie--I never heard of a job journal, but it sounds like a good idea...

bibliophiliac said...

@Stu--thanks for stopping by!
@Page--thanks, that gives me hope.

Ben said...

Good luck on those resolutions bilbliophiliac. If I may, you might not want to call them "resolutions" anymore. I think that's part of its failure folklore

Natalie~Coffee and a Book Chick said...

Reading deliberately is what I need to do!!

Kerry said...

Great list of goals. I like the idea of reading more deliberately - have you seen any of The Book Lady's posts on this? She called 2010 her Year of Reading Deliberately. I think that's something I do unintentionally anyway, though - I can't force myself to read something for review/on a timeline/because of a list if it isn't the right for me. It never works out.

Good luck with all the resolutions!

BookQuoter said...

Happy New Year to you and your family. Good luck on those resolutions. Everyday is a NEW day!

Peace is my biggest wish!!

Lisa said...

Great ideas!

Kristen said...

I'm with you pretty much with most of these goals. :) Especially going to the gym. Ours is at least free and down the street from our complex.. but does that mean we go more often? nope. LOL. My husband has now come up with a "we can go out to eat if we go to the gym twice a week.." plan. :)

Aisle B said...

Things will be fine and you will see that life will turn up these little surprises and it will be those little "wow" moments that will lift you.

Sole income... not as daunting and you're right many other women have done the same. Just a tighter budget and laugh through it all with the hubby and kids. You'll be surprised by the little how ingenious you can be at making the green go a long way. We did it so can YOU! Just cut that VISA CARD NOW! Seriously ;)

Meditation CDs... holy guacomole... burn em girl! Just teasing... just get into a zen mode and then well get OUTTA the zen zone... it can be deadly and you'll be levitating like moi. Yikes... did I give away my secret!

bibliophiliac said...

@PK Thanks for your words of hope and support!