Looking back at my posts here. It seems that 2024 was a slow year for my writing here. Maybe 2025 can turn that around again. I recognize that I’m walking into 2025 through a Wisconsin winter that even without snow has its dark and cold traveling into a political situation that promises discord and continuing in job in special education that wears at the body and soul even with the beautiful kids and caring, kind coworkers. All that needs some strength and I’ve been seeking that strength. Several weeks ago I came across the book, “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. I was struck by the idea of building on our happiness in such an intentional, step by step process and decided that with the new year coming it made sense to take it on myself. So, I got myself a wellness planner, started to think through my first areas of focus, and here I am getting started. I hope you’ll travel with me.
My own happiness project centers on these four areas: creativity, health, connection, and spirit. These are the things that I want to care for and grow stronger. Here’s how I’ll be starting. In January, my plan is to spend at least 15 minutes each day playing with my arts and crafts supplies. I don’t have a clear goal of what I’ll make. I might draw, color, knit, create jewelry, or do any other thing. The important piece is simply playing and letting my creativity go. I’ll also be keeping up my 15 minutes of meditation daily and going to join my Shambhala friends for an hour or two on weekends. Finally, I’ll be adding in 15 minutes or more a day of yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or some other stretching/calming/opening exercise. So, nothing big, nothing particularly new, but I’ll be keeping track in my journal with a daily check in and here with a weekly update of what happens. That’s a change. This is a new step in intentionality. We’ll see where it goes. I look forward to the journey and to learning about your journeys into 2025 as well.
