I just wonder more and more how time seems so speed up as one grows older. But then I have to snap out of it and embrace the now before it too slips by. I am not one for resolutions. I am more of a "fresh slate" type girl. I love having a new calendar with uncluttered lines and boxes. I think of it as a new beginning that the Lord has given to me.
Make List.
I am a "list" girl. I make list of things in the back of my datebook, I jot down goals that want to achieve in the new year. This can include various ideas, from household projects (I have a list of items in my house I want to paint white) to places I want to visit, to restaurants I want to try. I am a list girl. I make list, or I will forget it.
Go with the Flow.
Everyone has to plan certain things. But don't allow some of life's surprise moments and opportunities to pass you by because they weren't on the calendar. I always have a plan "B" in the back of my head. Should the Publisher's Clearing House folks show up at my door, I am certain that I could drop everything on a whim and head off the the Virgin Islands, because I know life will eventually return to "normal". I like to preach spontaniety. Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organized routine. Someone once said, "“If you wait to do everything until you're sure it's right, you'll probably never do much of anything.” I agree with that statement. It's fun to loosen your belt up a bit and fly by the seat of your pants in life. That doesn't mean to completely loose grip...but loosen up. Relax and Breathe and literally go with the flow.
MAKE TIME, Take Time.
As much as I love the cleanliness of a fresh date book, I am equally as joyful of taking a pen and beginning to carve out "time" of things I want to do or places I want to see. My dates include things as big as a family vacation to as little as girlfriend suppertime. It's important to make time for the simple things in life, for those are the ones that truly matter.
If we can make "important" appointments to go to the dentist or hair salon, we should make time for personal improvements to ones soul as well. These are just as important!!!! I have to have my girlfriend time at least once a month. If you don't already, do this for yourself. You will be amazed at how your attitude will improve having friends to confide in and laugh with, people who are your peers to share their perspectives. Don't just say your going to do it, Save the date! Make it a point. Friendships are worth it. You're worth it.
That being said, it is one of my personal goals to be more prompt in my responses to your comments and my visits to your blogs. I do however have a question in the best way to respond to comments. How do you respond to comments?
By direct email to the comment (many of you do not have a direct email link, be sure and chekc your settings so that your comments can be addressed. I am always thrilled to have you visit and want to personally comment to you as well).
Do you respond to comments in the comment section of your blog or do you email? Or do you visit the commenter on their own blog and respond regarding a commenton your blog?
What is the etiquette?
Anyone that takes the time to visit Tales from Bloggeritaville as well as those that comment...I am truly grateful for that and want to respond to your comments accordingly.Thankyou!
I look forward to a Fabulous 2010!
As for me, I am off with paint bucket in hand to knock off some projects off that list.....
But before you go-you will want to check out this amazing idea from Completely Coastal using time worn sails to make pillows. Oh, I can imagine that'd whisper some tales of island fantacy as I suggled into one. And right now, there's a chance to WIN!
Click the link above for a chance!
PS-FYI- Having breaked for the holidays, We WILL be having Thrifty Thursday this Thursday!
Posts
22 comments:
Leigh,
That was a great post! One thing I have always admired about you was your spontaneity. From your posts I could tell you were always ready for some fun and would be ready to do something in the moment. That is one thing I need to try and do. Life is short and I need to be a little more spontaneous from time to time!
Sorry about the e-mail not getting to you. I will e-mail you from my home e-mail account and see if we have better luck!
Have a wonderful week.
Jane
Leigh... it's always a pleasure to read your posts... I don't always take time to comment on every post I read at every blog (I found out that you don't get a lot done if you always leave a long comment like this one!) But when something really strikes a cord... I'll always comment...
You part about writing lists in the back of your planner... I just made that very suggestion to my sister... although my reasons are a little different... I write private comments from the back of my journal... so others are unlikely to stumble upon them when snooping around... (ya know?)
As far as when somebody leaves me a comment... I try to make a visit to their blog (like I did yours tonite)... if they ask me a question in their comment... I will email them back if they have an email... if not... I may leave my answer on their blog so they are sure to read it... I seldom comment on my own blog.. and I have no idea why... but if a number of people make the same comment or ask the same question... i'll probably comment on my own blog post just to clear up the issue...
Well.. that's it girl... I always love to read your blog... you make me laugh... think... ponder... and look in the mirror... all good things...
Have a fantastic 2010... you're off to a wonderful start.
Blessings. Dixie
I needed to hear the Go with the flow part. I tend to over think things. I love your post, and I am so impressed with your insights. I like that you aren't afraid to live life. That is a rare quality, and a beautiful one!
I am usually a go with the flow kinda girl also. My husband wants to plan and think things through. This was a very thought provoking post. I need to get back that way a little.
I am so spontaneous that I need a list to remember where I put the to do list! If my head wasn't attached or I didn't get cold without clothes on, I would be one naked headless girl.
This year, I am working on being more organized and less unprepared.I totally have the going with the flow thing down, now I just have to start making my own waves!
I usually respond to comments via email, but still need to learn to check the addy all of the time. Many of my responses have gone to the netherworld.
Go with the flow is a biggy for me! Thanks so much Leigh for the mention and the buttons, yours is now up on Completely Coastal too -so awesome!!!
Leigh,
I love your idea. I need to keep track of my life!! Journals don't keep me on time...
I love when you comment or leave an email, both are fine and you are a busy gal. Thanks for asking, my friend!!
xoxo
Janie
Hi Leigh. Another great post from you. It is important to carve out friendship time which I am very bad at.
As for comments. I spend way to much time in blogland but I hate to miss anything and there is so much creativity out there. I need to learn balance. And people probably get tire of hearing from me but I feel like if I can spend time enjoying something they have spent their time writing or sharing something they found with me, then I can make enough time to leave at least a small comment. Even if it is not much more than just a comment. I know how my heart soars when I see a loving friend commenting on my post. I don't expect everyone to do this ~ that's just what I try to do.
When someone does leave me a comment, I try to visit their blog and comment as well. If it does seem personal or if they don't have a blog I will send them an email.
Thanks for posting this giveaway. I went straight there & came back here to comment.
Have a beautiful week, Tracy
I love an empty calendar. I finally got around to getting one for the new year and was thinking how nice it was not to have it filled with dr. and school appointments yet. Then I realized I need to write in and IEP (education plan for special ed students) meeting for my daughter and surgery for her at the end of the month. Both things I'll stress about. So much for my clear calendar!
I usually respond to comments when visiting the blogs but also use email for more personal responses, if they have one. I know several people who respond on their posts and I love that because it gets to be a bit like facebook and leads to some pretty funny stuff. But I don't see that many people go back to comment a second time so I don't know if they are going back to read it if you respond on your own comment page. Does that make any sense?
I try not to worry to much about the comments and emails. I love to hear from everyone but I think we all understand it can take a while to make the rounds.
See you Thursday!
Dawn
I'm not a go with the flow kind of person that makes me crazy, planner here. But I have a few in my family that is so we all balance eachother out, I think. I
direct email to the comments, if there is no email I comment in the comment section on thier blog if they don't have a blog I reply in my comments. Thanks for the reminder of taking more time, we all need to get back to the simple things and turn off all the "things" we have and just spend time with eachother.
Ally
Leigh, Thanks so much for the morning cup o' wisdom...really enjoyed the post...back to work afer 3 weeks off, so just savoring a few last moments. I love a new planner too...mine Red this year!
Leigh what a great post. I feel like I know you a little better now. I too try to be a go with the flow kind of person but also like some planning. I am trying to be open to a new path this year and going with the flow works with that. I try to email the person directly who comments on my posts. I'm still pretty new to blogging so I too wonder what others do about comments. Enjoy your day.
Huggs...........Linda
Great post! I use to be more organized, but am more "go with the flow" now. Have a great week.
I love starting the year with a new calendar, new blank pages in my planning notebooks (yes, I am more than 1).
I make lots of lists too. Goals for each day/month and seeing them accomplished.
Happy New Year!!!
I have no choice but to be a go with the flow kind of girl! Life calls loud and often! As for my calendar! I had appointments written in the back of my old calendar waiting to be transferred over to the new one.
I like the scheduling time with friends idea. That's just got to happen this year!
Thanks for the sweet compliment on my last post! I don't know how to respond to comments either! But oh, how I love the comments!
Great post! I usually don't make resolutions, but *do* start the year with a clean slate. But this year I've been so bust that the piles on my desk at work and at home are out of control!! Eek! Maybe that means...I'll *finish* the year super organized for a change? Hmmm...yes; that must be it. I look forward! :-)
I reply by email.... if the commenter doesn't have the email then, no reply.
I'm trying to learn to go with the flow more often. That's something that is hard for me!
What a great post! I'm one organized person...I think!
Blessings,
Linda
Hi...as for comments...I like to have someone respond to me in MY comments...and I do the same in return if someone asks me a question.
As for spontaneity...I've learned it is so vital to be flexible!
As for the date book...I begin each year with one and around February, I begin to forget to use it...by March it is empty...and by April, I can't find it.....but each year I start all over - go figure!
Happy New Year
I am a list maker, too. My desk is cluttered with lists...ideas...sketches. This year I resolve to keep them a bit more organized so I can remember the items on my list. It's always a treat, though, to come across an idea I sketched months ago...and remember why this idea struck my fancy.
Your post is always fun to read...you seem to truly enjoy life. Hope 2010 will be filled with spontaneity...fun...and great memories for you and your family.
Jane (artfully graced)
Every year I love getting my Franklin Covey planner refill! Nothing says fresh beginning like all those dates just waiting for plans. Thanks for the fabulous post!
God's blessings, Sarah :D
You know, I hadn't thought of it before - but "Fresh Slate Girl" is exactly how I feel at the beginning of the new year. Thanks for pointing that out! I like having a label (even though labels aren't always the best things - in this case, I like it!)
How'd that painting go? :)
Kristin - The Goat
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