Beginning Again... and Again... and Again

Jean Skipper during a recent ReMe Retreat.

I was talking with several friends recently about the power of the written word in our lives.  Without exception, each of us loves our journals, diaries, and blogs; although some of us are definitely better than others about the practice of writing.

I fall into a category of one who loves the idea of writing regularly.  My follow through however,  is a bit weak.  I periodically try to alter this course by declaring, "Today is the day!  I will write a page or a post today, and every day for the rest of my life!"  And I mean it; I really do.  In the moment I'm eternally optimistic that this time will be different from all of the others, and that my collection of barely used journals will become a thing of my past.  Alas, so far this hasn't been the case.

So today I'll begin again in a kinder gentler way.  I will write everyday, one day at a time.  My posts need not be witty, riveting, or even coherent; they just need to exist in some form.  As anyone who's met me in person knows, for better or worse, I have a lot to say.  Today I will begin again to say it.

2017's Major Creative Goal Is ...

My mystery response to this prompt
will soon be revealed to... both of us!

"The major creative goal that I want to achieve in 2017 is..."

Last night, as I continued to formalize my goals and plans for the year, this prompt became part of the process.

I had no problem coming up with a lengthy list of creative goals for the year.  Big and small, my creative dreams are always on my mind.  The challenge enters the picture when I'm asked to narrow them down to one major goal.  I've always been a girl who wants it all.  I dream big, and so much of the wild and wonderful ride that is my life's adventure has been a direct result of that single trait.

As I reflect in midlife, with the hope of self improvement and new beginnings, I recognize that my capacity for considering and pursuing huge numbers of hopes and dreams during every minute of every day has left me exhausted.  My attention has been divided in ways that don't always serve me well.

I suppose that the solution lies in the balance of all of it.  I'll continue to dream big, often, and

sometimes crazily; it's too much a part of who I am to ever stop.  I'll also work toward narrowing my focus, in dreams and in life, so that I can give my full attention to accomplishing my most imminent goals while still moving toward those that are dancing enthusiastically in the background.

I'm going to contemplate my response a bit longer, and I'd love to know what's on your creative horizon too.

What is the one major goal that YOU want to accomplish in 2017?  

Please leave your response in the comments below or email me directly at jeanskipper@jeanskipper.com.

Look at all the bright shiny colors!

As Debbie Keen proves, a bit of order
doesn't diminish their beauty.