Sunday, January 3, 2010

Quite the To-Do list

I downloaded an app called Project365.  It looks like this.



Well, that's what I've got so far.  I won't insult your intelligence by explaining how it works.  But the whole concept got me thinking.  By this time next year, I'll have something to look back on from every single day in 2010.  But what do I have from 2009?  Then I remembered this little thing called a blog, in which I am writing this very moment.  So I went back and read all my posts from 2009, and here's what I found.

January
Not much of anything.  No posts.  I remember being jobless and struggling with bills, so I can understand why I didn't blog.

February
I started working for Kaplan, founded Empty Canvas Studios, and began to fight my demons more seriously and aggressively than ever before.  Glennda and I went to a comedy club for our 1-year anniversary.  Things definitely started looking up.

March
I only posted once in March, and it was about a couple of events that ultimately served to strengthen my faith, which was exactly what I was needing.

May
No posts in April either, but May's posts are full of deep reflection on life and the things I've learned.  I talked about the importance of knowing how to fall.

July
Nothing in June.  But July has more heavy schtuff.  I found a new way to study the bible, and I learned that the key to winning my wife's trust is finishing what I start.

August
I delved into more Eastern philosophies.  It was incredibly stimulating trying to figure out how it all weighs against biblical teachings.  I took meditation to a whole new level.

September
We saw the movie 9, which once again awoke the philosopher in me.  Although I saw it again last week and I'm not sure if my initial take was completely accurate.

October
We started Financial Peace University, which radically changed the way we looked at our finances, and ultimately our future.  We took a second look at our plan and made some major changes.  We feel like we're more on track now.  Go team.

November
I began to really focus on learning what it means to be humble.  I resolved to speak less and seek wisdom often.

December
My December posts consist of introspective review and nostalgic sentiment.  I don't remember looking back with a "year in review" mindset, but I guess that attitude was present nonetheless.



...





I've never been much for New Years resolutions.  The wife and I decided at the beginning of 2009 that we would spend the year working toward acquiring a cash car and a $1000 emergency fund.  And about eight months in, we had both.  This year, my focus will be less monetary.  I learned a lot this past year, so this year I will seek to apply them.

I will remember how to fall.  I will finish what I start - especially the things I started in February.  I will meditate on the Lord.  I will continue to manage our finances wisely.  I will speak less and listen more.  I will pursue wisdom.

I've heard it said that the mind is like a parachute: it doesn't matter what you fill it with, so long as it's open at the right time.

So will I make a New Years resolution?  No.  But my goal is that by this time next year, I will be able to look back not only on what I learned this year, but more importantly, what I did about it.  Also, 365 pictures that I took with my phone.

-R.

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