Resolutions

 February 5.  Five weeks into the new year.  How are you doing with those resolutions?

Perhaps a distant memory.  Given up because maybe they were too large, or there were too many, or, quite honestly, you simply grew tired of them and put them into the "maybe another time" box.

Consider starting again.  But this time, make it SIMPLE.

I find it helps to break things down into the basic, baby steps.  Set the daily goal as something so small, demanding only a mere moment of time, that I simply cannot fail.

As Mimi the artist, author, and musician, it has meant the following in 2018.

I paint, every day.  Now, don't laugh.  When I say that, I define it as picking up the brush or palette knife and putting a new mark on the canvas that is sitting on the easel.  Sometimes, it is simply that - just one new mark.  Other times, it morphs into several hours.  But I can honestly say I've painted, every day.  Not because I want to brag about it, but because I have made a commitment to it.

And sketching.  I've added that to my routine, too.  Not yet as successfully as I'd like (I've always resisted the sketch book and I'm not sure why) but it is most definitely the building block for an artist who wants to paint in a realistic style.  I must observe, and put it to paper.  So far - one day.  Ha ha.  See?  You thought I was accomplishing a lot... well, this one needs work!

Music?  My personal piano was moved home from the church last week, and I have started playing scales every day.  Literally - takes about one minute to run a scale up and down several octaves.  And sometimes, it turns into sitting down and PLAYING (there's.a reason that word is used with music!) a bit more.  Pulled out some of my old classical books and played JUST FOR FUN.  Tears of joy streaming down my face.  Yes.  Really.

Writing?  Well, that's obvious, isn't it?  But another one I've shied away from.  New resolution starts today.  Pen to paper, every day, even if just one sentence.  One sentence can speak volumes, and might just provide a springboard for something longer on another day.

My point?  IF I am to identify myself as Mimi the artist, author, and musician, then I may do so only if I am actually doing each of those things on a regular basis.  It is far too easy to cry "writer's block" or "I didn't have the time."  But what about the 15 minutes I spent scrolling through Facebook, looking for I don't even know what?  Those 15 minutes might have been spent at the keyboard, or easel, or with pen in hand.

What is YOUR smallest time indulgence you might ALLOW for yourself to play with something you have been meaning to do and simply haven't gotten around to?  What are you waiting for?  Life is uncertain.  Do it NOW.  And think about how you define success. 

I invite and encourage you to try the "tiny tidbits" method.  My guess is you will find that on some days, it is all that you can do - maybe 15 seconds worth.  And on other days - you will surprise yourself when seconds turns into... an hour or two?

Watch the cumulative affect of a little bit of something done every day.  Notice your mood.  Be aware of how it impacts your day(s).   

Please share what's worked for you, or hasn't...

Happy February 5 new resolutions day!

With love and WARM hugs,

Mimi

PS - it occurs to me after writing this that I've missed one.  I have made a daily commitment to reading scripture.  First thing, every morning.  Using a fun app called Read Scripture.  Take a look if you'd like - it can be started any time.  A FUN way to read through the entire Bible in a year!!!   There are these cool little cartoon videos every few days that help with overviews - even inspire me to pick up the ink pens and doodle!