I'm back after a much-needed break from the fast-paced life (which involved eating cheese and sipping wine in my pyjamas whilst lounging on the lounge) and I'm launching my 2012 posts with a thoughtful look back at last year's resolutions. Last year I shared my New Years Resolutions for 2011, aiming to hold myself more accountable, inspired and determined in chasing things that matter to me. Now comes the challenging bit.... the dreaded annual review!
Restrict my purchases and my wardrobe to homemade, preloved or ethical trade items (making my spending more responsible)
I have to say, this proved to be the most rewarding adventure throughout the year. I shopped exclusively for pre-owned clothing, assisted by some wonderful friends through various clothes swaps (and one mate who frequently passes her brilliant wardrobe pieces my way... I suspect out of Fashion Sympathy). I barely stepped foot into a vintage store all year! I realised that, genuinely, I don't actually want additional clothes and that switching an accessory works just as well as buying fresh jeans (in fact, BETTER, since it costs nothing). I do, however, genuinely need some fresh underwear, bras and tights. The underwear I can source ethical trade from a mate (the sole reason I haven't purchased it yet is pure procrastination... it's not even complicated for me to buy), and I'm fairly confident I can locate some ethical trade tights without much difficulty. However, the bras I think I will be getting via a label I trust for the support-system I require (this was the spot I found the most tricky and uncomfortable-wire-wise). This perhaps will be my sole exception (that noted, if an ethical bra launches that seems like it can truly deliver the support, I'll be first to grab one).
As for presents, I'll confess that I pitched in for a couple of shared gifts that didn't align with the idea. I could have readily crafted or sourced something for the gift recipient, but at that moment chose to "thoughtlessly" pass my cash along to the gift organiser. Outside of these occasions, I kept my gift-giving to those either ethical trade from Oxfam, preloved, handmade by me, or handmade by othersWhat did I discover? I needed to approach my gift-giving with greater ingenuity, care and method. I realised that certain presents I'd invested considerable effort into, yet taken a chance on, were genuinely valued by recipients who said things like "that's a brilliant choice".
What's next for 2012? I'll continue purchasing ethically-sourced and pre-loved items whenever feasible. I'll make a few exceptions for myself, particularly an upcoming lingerie shopping trip this week!
Make our home more environmentally sustainable (solar power, insulation, edible garden)
I'm delighted with the progress Kym and I have made here. Back in March we installed three new raised vegetable planters and have been happily consuming what we cultivate (we're producing the finest arugula around, if I do say so). We're nearly complete with setting up our own backyard poultry setup, which I will be sharing about later this month when they're ready (the emphasis is really for my own benefit... attempting to motivate myself toward completing the chicken coop). Solar panels went in during April and we're thrilled with them! Kym ran some numbers and discovered that over the previous couple of months (spring-summer) we've generated 150% of our electricity needs, meaning not only will we settle the solar investment sooner (3-4 years), but we're genuinely contributing back to "the network" (you're welcome, adelaide locals). Indeed, our latest bill, which arrived a few weeks back, showed a $162 surplus!
We also had ceiling fans fitted in early December throughout the living spaces and our bedroom, which (between you and me) have been AMAZING. I'll share more about the advantages and electricity efficiency of ceiling fans later this month.
Kym and I are continuing to develop the garden, and intend to add a couple more compact fruit trees to the front. We're also planning to "furnish" the front yard with a selection of native shrubs to help cool the front area, and the front section of the house, which comprises our bedroom and the main living zone (this section faces West and tends to be several degrees warmer than the remainder of the house during the summer season). I'd also like to have our insulation assessed and install a "whirly bird" in the attic. Lastly, I'm interested in exploring options to bring native fauna and insects back to our outdoor space. Though I'm not eager for additional mosquitoes, I'm interested in discovering how we might coexist more harmoniously with nature.
Dedicate more of my time & energy to creative pursuits (meaning working fewer hours... yikes!)
In June, I reduced my work hours from five to four days a week and I have been absolutely THRIVING. While maintaining my Monday (day off) as sacred time has been challenging, I have certainly devoted more energy to my writing and art. I have exhibited my art at several markets and taken on a position at Markets Central, and have been enjoying the chance to combine my passions for writing and art.
Fostering meaningful connections (valuing the people I care about)
Working fewer hours has genuinely supported this goal. When I was working full time I was completely drained of social energy from my job (as a social worker, I spend my days with people) and had little left for others. I'm finding that my Monday allows me to recharge this energy, creating more capacity for those close to me. That said, I've experienced several periods of illness throughout the year, which has meant fewer opportunities to catch up with people as much as I'd like. I think, though, that this illness has been about me learning to prioritise my own wellbeing, and treat myself with the same care I'd extend to others. I've discovered that I actually require considerable alone time to maintain balance, and this is something I'll prioritise in 2012.
Spend more time outdoors (gardening, relaxing, exploring)
Oh how I ADORE my garden! I have certainly spent more time in it this year, though much of that has been maintenance and trimming (given that we had 3 years of neglect to recover from). We're now at the exciting stage of actually starting the creative work, so I anticipate that by the end of 2012 our garden will be transformed. My garden has become my sanctuary—the place I retreat to for peace and connection with nature and that sense of something greater. It soothes me and anchors me.
I've tackled several garden projects over the past couple of weeks and am keen to share them with you over the coming month or so. As always, I'm drawn to resourcefulness, repurposing and a dash of colour.
Right then, here are my goals for 2012
- Stay positive, embrace joy
- More of what nourishes me, less of what drains me
- Complete strong
I'll delve deeper into these as the year unfolds, but what I can share with you now is that each year, my approach to resolutions has become more gentle and compassionate. A handful of years back, I was fixated on accomplishments. I'm discovering that I can achieve those accomplishments without the resolutions themselves, and that what truly matters is the process—the way I go about it. So this year is far more focused on the process than the destination. This year I'm concentrating on caring for my Self.
I'm noticing resolutions appearing throughout the blogosphere and I'm curious to learn... What are you after in 2012?
Kate xxxx
