I RESOLVE TO . . .

Resolutions - Day 120

I made some time this morning to work on my book proposal, and continued reading through the new resource books that I ordered from Amazon!  The weather has been gorgeous this weekend - and though I worked all weekend on work and home projects, I also made time for me!  At least time for one of my top priorities - my resolution book.  That's the key to staying on track with a resolution, dream, goal:  make it a priority, keep it front and center, don't let it slide to the back-burner, and do not procrastinate (I fall into the procrastination trap sometimes, and I also let my dreams slip to the backburner sometimes due to the press of other things in my life - I'm getting better and better at avoiding those pitfalls, not perfect, but what in life is perfect??).

My plan, is to create a plan for the summer - my Resolution Roadmap for my resolution book. I know I preach one resolution, one day at a time for one year, but personally I've been working on two main resolutions that are tied together:  my resolution to exercise at least 30-60 minutes each day, which in fact is tied to my resolution to write a book about New Year resolutions, as I'm using myself and my exercise goals as a case study.  Things are taking shape.  In addition to making my book a priority, I'm following the five key steps that I've been talking about: 

1. Dare to Dream:  open your mind to the possibility that you will succeed at achieving your heartfelt dream.
2. Decide:   make a firm decision, resolve, to achieve your dream (a promise, and keep it).
3. Define:  define your resolution - in one sentence if possible - in a way that it can be measureable, realistic, attainable, doable.
4. Develop A Plan:   create a Resolution Roadmap,a living document that contains all the many small steps that will take you from beginning to end of the journey, actually achieving your dream; and revise that plan, make the all the necessary course corrections as you go.
5. Do It Daily:   tackle each and every one of those steps in your Resolution Roadmap, one step at a time, one day at a time (20-30 minutes each day, whatever amount of time you can manage, it will add up through the course of a year).

Achieving dreams and resolutions doesn't have to be complicated.  Common sense is really one of the main ingredients, along with determination, faith, hope, organization, passion, inspiration, enthusiasm.  I know that sounds like a tall order, but it's not really.  Each and every one of us has all of that inside.  So stop procrastinating.  If you have a dream, a goal that you're longing to pursue, do it now!  One resolution, one day at a time for one year - Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 120

Lots of exercise today, running around the house getting ready for this trip, shopping and so on!  I'm going to hop on my bike later tonight also - time to get back to some aerobic exercise!  Until then . . .

Imagination . . .

"The world is but a canvas to the imagination."

Henry David Thoreau

Resolutions - Day 119

My batch of books came in the mail yesterday - new inspiration!  My sister gave me a gift certificate for my birthday, so I ordered a half dozen books to help me work through my resolution book outline, book proosal, title ideas and so on.  I spent the morning working though one of the books and it was very helpful.  I'll put them up on my blog next week - as they're well worth a good long read if you're thinking of writing a non-fiction book.  I plan to take my new treasure trove with me on the train from DC to New York and back Monday and Tuesday - and on those nice four-hour train rides (all to myself), I'm going to do some brainstorming, and put in some quality time on my book.  Something to look forward too!

Keep in mind, if you're working on a dream, or still putting in time on your New Year resolution - you don't have to put in four hours each day - 30-minutes to an hour, each and every day, for one year will help you to achieve that goal.  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 119

Gorgeous, gorgeous day - sunny, blue skies, and mild - what more can you ask for!  I made a point to get outside for a few hours this morning, to soak up the good weather and work on my resolution book.  Didn't do much in the way of exercise - have a grueling day ahead.  I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being a 16 hour day by the time I'm done, I have so much work to do to get ready for events next week, and to clean up my work pile.  Alas, may not hit the bike until tomorrow - really need to do a good 60-90 minutes, and some time on the Total Gym!  Until then . . .

The Moment . . .

"The moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours.  No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certaintly that during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen. And the fact that it practically always doesn't, matters not a jot.  The possibility is always there."

Monica Baldwin

Resolutions - Day 118

Loooong day, week, and weekend.  A lot on my plate, but things will soon calm down for a few days - least I'll have next weekend to myself!  With that in mind, quick post tonight, going to hit the sheets early so I can get up and spend some time on my resolution books tomorrow.  Looking forward to that!  Don't forget:  one resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006

Daily Exercise - Day 118

Absolutely gorgeous day - sunny and mild! With that in mind, I made a point to get outside to mow my law, do a little yardwork, and pull my outdoor furniture out of storage.  My pool is now open, so I want to make the most out of my outdoor time!  I did about three hours of yardwork, so I think I'm good on the exercise front for today - need to get back to some aeorobic exercise soon!  Bike time!  Until then . . .

Mystery . . .

"Mystery is at the heart of creativity.  That, and surprise."

Julia Cameron - Author of The Artist's Way

Resolutions - Day 117

On Monday, I'm taking the train up to New York for a client event.  I love taking the train! Often, when traveling between DC and New York, I take the train instead of flying into the New York airports because I find it to be more relaxing;  and I get a lot of work done along the way (I've learned by the time you fly into Kennedy or LaGuardia and travel into the City, you've spent almost as much time as you would just hopping on the train).  But I digress . . .

The reason I mention this is because I'm setting aside Monday and Tuesday on the train to work on my resolution book.  It's sort of a little treat to me - time to think and dream.  Because my work schedule, of late, has been so hectic, I'm not putting in as much time as I would like on by book, but I am carving out time here and there and that's the important thing! 

I'm determined to get in the habit of putting my own personal dreams first during the day.  My problem is that I'm not a morning person, so late night hours tend to be my own personal creative time of the day (often when I'm a bit tired), so I need to keep working on the best writing/creative schedule.  And . . . I need to get in the habit of working on my book whenever I have a spare minute here and there.  It all adds up, just like taking things one day at a time, and putting in a little time on your dream each and everyday.   Food for thought.

So . . . are you thinking about your dreams and working toward them?  Never too late, or too soon.  Don't forget:  one resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 117

I've been sitting in front of this computer all day and I worked late, so I'm definitely a good candidate for a long session of stretching and light Yoga.  As soon as I get off here I'm going to go do that.  I'm soooo looking forward to getting back to 60-minutes of daily work out routines.  Soon, very soon.  In the meantime, I'm taking the stairs, walking, doing whatever I can to add a little exercise to the day! Next week, I'll be back on my bike and Total Gym :).  Until then . . .

Happiness . . .

"Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, the thrill of creative effort."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Daily Exercise - Day 116

Crazy busy day and week!  This month, year as always has been that way.  April in particular has been a 'low score' month for workouts. I made a point to do about an hour of brisk walking in DC today, as I ran between appointments and errands.  The weather cooperated, and it was a nice day - a good walking day.  In another week, I'll be back to a more consistent workout routine - and my pool's open - so no excuses in May!  Until then . . . :)

Creativity . . .

"Creativity comes from trust.  Trust your instincts.  And never hope more than you work.

Rita Mae Brown

Resolutions - Day 115

So . . . 250 more days in this 'New Year'.  Did you work on your resolution, your dream today?  I know how it goes some days.  Work got in the way of my own resolution/dream a bit today, but tomorrow is a new day.  If you've been putting your dreams on the backburner.  If you ditched your New Year resolution in week number two of the New Year, it doesn't have to end that way!  It's not the middle of winter, right now.  It's Springtime!  Take some of this sunhine and new energy and use it to your advantage. Use it to move your dream, whatever it is, one step closer to reality.  It's your decision, and only your decision.  No one can do it for you. But you can do it!

Five steps to consider:  Dare to dream, decide, define, develop a plan, and do it daily.  Yes YOU! One resolution, one day at at time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!  :)

Daily Exercise - Day 115

Hmmmm.  My track record this month hasn't been great regarding my exercise program.  Yes, I'm exercising, but not 30-60 minutes each day.  Work has been getting in the way of most pursuits I admit, but I need to get back on track here very soon.  I did open my pool today - yeeeaaaaa!  Very happy about that because in a couple of weeks I'll be swimming laps again in my own yard, out in the sunshine.  So, soon, very soon . . . I'll be back on track.  Until then . . .

Simplicity . . .

"Making the simple complicated is commonplace, making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity."

Charles Minqus - American Jazz Bassist and Composer (1922-1979)

Resolutions - Day 114

It's getting late, and it's been a busy day, so short post tonight.  I'm expecting a shipment of books from Amazon (some of them a birthday gift from my sister), and I'm hoping they will will assist my 'creative process' the next few months, as I work through my book outline and the first draft (my book on how to achieve New Year Resolutions - also known as dreams). 

Needless to say, I can't wait for the books to arrive, and I'm looking forward to really getting my hands dirty.  As far as I'm concerned, the writing process/the creative process is like gardening.  To make a difference you have to get down on your hands and knees in those garden beds; and stick your hands in the soil, really work up a sweat and get dirt under your fingernails.  Spend a day like that in the garden, then step back, have a look at the progress you've made, what could be better than that?   Well . . .  writing a great chapter is as good as that :) and it's done in much the same manner and spirit . . .  All the same.

In closing, don't forget:  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it in 2006'!

Daily Exercise - Day 114

Work is getting a little crazy the next couple of weeks. In keeping with that I may miss a few work outs, like today.  I did a little walking, but that's it.  Tomorrow and Wednesday, I'll be sure to hop on my bike for an hour.  Until then . . .

Ideas . . .

"An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come."

Victor Hugo

Resolutions - Day 113

Happy New Year To Me!  Friday, I celebrated my birthday with a group of dear friends, and had a wonderful time.  One friend who is Native American, very spiritual and wise in many ways pointed out that this is a new year for me.  I guess I had never really thought about my birthday in that way, which is somewhat surprising since the New Year is such a big deal to me. She's right, it is a New Year for me.  So I'm getting a double-dose of brand new energy:  the Springtime energy and the energy from the start of a new birth-year.  Both are gifts, I'm thankful, and I intend to make good use.

As I mentioned a few days ago, it's time for me to really dig in and put in some serious time on my resolution book, at least fleshing out the chapter outlines, and working through the first draft to see where it takes me.  It's scary in a sense.  I've been noodling these concepts and ideas for a long time; reading, reasearching, and so on . . . now it's time roll up my sleeves and get busy.   

If you do creative work of any kind, you know what I mean by scary.  You've nurtured a creative project, a dream for a long time, and eventually you need to make it a reality - but you want to do it justice, live up to the dream, achieve it in the best possible way, and that's scary. 

The flip side of scary is the exhilerating side of creativity.  There's a natural high attached to creating something that's yours and yours alone.  In my case, when I'm writing or shooting photos, I usually get into the 'groove', the 'zone' whatever you want to call it, where everything starts clicking, there's an intiutive flow, you just 'do it' naturally, intuitively without heavy thought (and the dreaded censor that second-guesses what you're doing).  It's a wonderful place to be.  And it's time to go there with my book.  So wish me luck.  :)

While you're at it, keep your dream, your 2006 New Year resolution (or Springtime resolution, or Birthday resolution, if you're starting a little late) right on the front seat next to you.  Make it a priority, don't relegate it to the backseat like an after thought - the dreaded resolution graveyard! Don't forget:  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 113

Gorgeous day, lots of sunshine, so I made the best of it!  Mowed my grass, did some gardening, took my bike out for a spin (and discovered it needs to go into the shop before I hit the road this Spring).  Three hours of gardening, and maybe 30-minutes on my indoor bike tonight should do it for my exercise today.  Need to get back to more rigorous work outs.  Pool opens Tuesday, so I'll be doing laps again very soon :). Until then . . .

Sometimes . . .

"Sometimes you've got to let everything go - purge yourself.  If you're unhappy with anything . . . whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it.  Because you will find that when you're free, your true creativity, your true self comes out."

Tina Turner - American Singer

Daily Exercise - Day 112

Rainy, cloudy day, so I'm going to curl up with my newspapers and HBO!  No exercise for me today.  Champagne headache, a little too much celebrating for my birthday.  I'll be good as new tomorrow and back at my exercise routine.  Until then . . .

Imagination . . .

"Imagination is the beginning of creation.  You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will."

George Bernard Shaw - Irish literary critic, playright and essayist

Resolutions - Day 111

Yep, as you can see below, it is my birthday today!  My gift to me is a day off.  No profound thoughts today, no brain twisters, nada.  Just some time off.  Maybe a nice long walk in my old stomping ground in DC later this afternoon.  Hoping for sunshine! :)  And definitely dinner and drinks with good friends.  A nice day and evening . . . and . . .   (later this weekend will be back to my goals, have to say it:  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!)

Daily Exercise - Day 111

Yep, back on my bike this morning for at least 30-minutes, and a short work out on my Total Gym.  Then heading to DC later in the afternoon to handle some work errands and celebrate my 48th Birthday with friends.  Yeeeaaaaa, I made it this far :).  Hope to take a nice long walk in the afternoon also.  This weekend definitely need to get out and do some yardwork.  Until then . . .

Innovation . . .

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

Steve Jobs - Entrepreneur, Apple Co-Founder

Resolutions - Day 110

Tomorrow I turn 48 - Happy Birthday to me! :)  I'm not shy about saying that.  Age isn't a big deal to me.  As far as I'm concerned it's a state of mind.  Yes the body and mind don't work quite as well as they did when I was 20, but they still work just fine.  In many respects my life today is so much better than when I was 20.  I've worked hard and achieved so many of my dreams over the years.  I've gained so much life experience along the way, I wouldn't change a thing, but I also wouldn't want to go back and do it all again.  I just want to keep moving forward one day at a time.  Yes, one resolution at a time for one year. :).

So, as I near the important mid-life milestone of 50, my goals and resolutions become even more precious to me because I know I don't have as many years ahead as I did when I was 20.  So . . . better make the best of what time I do have, huh?  Time to get the first draft of my resolution book done.  Along with my goal to exercise each and every day, that's my priority for the remainder of 2006.  I'm going to make it happen - I have my plan in hand, now it's time to implement.  In my case, since I'm pretty focused and determined, I'm going to alter my formula for success slightly for the remainder of the year:  "Two resolutions", one day at a time for one year.  Yep, I'm going to 'go for it' in 2006!!

Daily Exercise - Day 110

Pretty consistent week - 30-minutes on the bike each day, and some meditation, light Yoga, stretching.  Nothing too taxing, pretty even pace.  Since the House has been in recess the past couple of weeks, that's been the tone.  I've been working at a steady pace to try to get caught up with a whole host of proejects, so I'm working out each day - not devoting as much time as I would like (need to get back to some more rigorous work outs), but I'm working out.  And I'm sticking with my idea to do morning and evening work outs, dividing it up a bit.  Bottom line, things are good.  My pool opens on Tuesday - yeeeeaaaa!  Back to laps very soon :).  Until then . . .

Creative Power . . .

"It is worth mentioning for future reference, that the creative power which bubbles so pleasantly in beginning a new book quiets down after a time, and one goes on more steadily.  Doubts creep in.  then one becomes resigned. Determination not to give in, and the sense of an impending shape keep one at it more than anything."

Virginia Woolf

Resolutions - Day 109

Some days . . . maybe even everyday . . it doesn't hurt to count all your blessings.  No matter what happens in life we all have them, blessings.  I think counting your blessings goes hand in hand with faith, hope, optimism and so on . . . all  of the positive ingredients that it takes to achieve dreams and resolutions.  At the end of the day, to 'get a little' you need to 'give a little' . .  you've heard the saying whatever goes around comes around . . . well it's the same idea.  Some days it just takes longer to count those blessings, but it doesn't it feel better when you can be positive about things??  I hate days when you have to deal with 'negative stuff'.  But that's life, you have to deal with the 'negative stuff' to get through to the other side, something positive.  It's in the way that you deal with the negatives that brings the positive:  honesty, integrity, dignity, tact.

Sometimes you have to stand up to adversity, right the wrongs that come your way, defeat dishonesty, stand up for yourself - but there is always a way to do it with grace, dignity, tact, honesty, and integrity.  Some days are just tough in that regard, you have to really muster the positive when immersed in the negative.  But you deal with the things that life throws your way and move forward.  When you do that, you can move forward, at the same time, with your dreams, your resolutions, your goals.  My point:  be fearless, follow your intuition, be true to yourself - your honesty, dignity, grace will shine through.  And oneday, you will achieve your dreams.  Yes, I'll say it again:  One resolution, one day at at time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!

Daily Exercise - Day 109

Well . . . I really wanted to get back to rigorous work outs this week, but have only had time for 30-minute work outs on the bike, stretching/light Yoga.  Work hasn't permitted for much more.  Since the Congress is in recess, I'm making the most of this time to catch up with the work piles. And have done just that!  It's been productive for work projects, if not for work-out projects.  Soon, very soon I'll be back to an hour or more each day . . . biking, tennis, walking, swimming, weights, Yoga, stretching, you get the idea :).  Until then . . .

Every Child An Artist . . .

"Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

Resolutions - Day 108

Just 258 days until New Year's Day 2007!! :)  So . . . are you still working on your 2006 New Year Resolution?  Or did it fall by the wayside 100 days ago?  Never too late to begin anew.  What better time:  Springtime.  Give it some thought.  Why keep procrastinating.  You don't have to wait another year to pursue that dream that's been smouldering on the back burner for such a long long time.  No better time than the present.  Can't seem to make it happen, yet can't seem to let it go.  Well, it's time to change that track record.  All it takes is five steps to get you going:

• Dare To Dream:  Open your mind to the fact that you can achieve, if you believe.
• Decide:  Make that decision, resolve - today - to pursue your dream.  Stop waiting.
• Define:  In one sentence describe your goal, in a way that can be measured, and set to timelines.
• Develop A Plan: Build a Resolution Roadmap that consists of all the multitude of tiny steps that will take you to the finish line - achieiving your dream.
• Do It Daily:  Just 30-minutes each day adds up to a full week of work - yes seven 24 hour days spent achieving your resolution.

So do it today:  One resolution, one day at at time for one year.  What do you have to lose?  Just another year if you don't try.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!!

Daily Exercise - Day 108

Hopped on my bike first thing this morning for 30-minutes.  I may start doing part of my work out early in the day and the other half later in the day.  I frequently work out in the evenings, sometimes as late as 10 PM, which doesn't seem to hurt anything.  Now that the weather is nice I'll soon be moving outside to do my swimming, walking, biking - a good opportunity to try workouts at different times of the day to see what fits for the Spring and Summer.  And can't forget tennis - still have 4-5 tennis lessons to schedule in May.  That should be fun, entirely new sets of muscles to make sore and stiff.  Until then . . . :)

Creativity . . .

"Creativity is a drug I cannot live without."

Cecil B. DeMille (1881-1959)

Resolutions - Day 107

Some real progress today on my resolution book.  I'm starting to organize all my files, notes, research, outlines and so on.  The past few days I've been noodling and brainstorming ideas, and I really feel ready to start moving forward.  It's time to really flesh out my outline and my research - then I can start WRITING.  So I need to build some time into my day, each and every day, over the next few months - maybe by August, I'll have a first rough draft.  We'll see!  I'm sure I'll do fine as long as I follow my own advice:  One resolution, one day at a time for one year.  Let's 'go for it' in 2006!  :)

Daily Exercise - Day 107

Just some stretching and light Yoga tonight, I'm pooped.  This rainy weather makes me sleepy!  Tomorrow I plan to get back into the swing of things with more strenuous work outs - back to an hour on my bike and 20-minutes on my Total Gym.  Until then . . .

Chaos . . .

"You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star."

Nietzsche