Like many of us, I am (still) a work in progress. There are a number of improvements that can be made, old habits to break. I've identified a few areas I consider lacking, and if I could be better at a few things, these would be where I'd start. In fact, I've started:
PATIENCE. A virtue to which I aspire and constantly fall short. I just do not understand what motivates other people to be unkind or self-serving and I find it frustrating. I also have a problem with having to repeat myself. Which I have to do, a lot. I'm thinking it is because I've surrounded myself with four pre- and full-teens. Start: My kids mentioned recently that I no longer "heavy sigh". Looks like I've removed a few patience-testers ;)
FINISHING. I love the rush of a new project. The promise of the completed idea. Unfortunately, I tend to use up all of my energy and enthusiasm on the planning and preparation stages and completely fizzle out by the execution stage. Most of the things I take on (or get put upon me) are large in scale. Start: I'm trying to take things in smaller chunks and am enjoying the smaller victories. Sweet motivation!
TEMPER. I am slow to boil, but when I do, look out: I blow. I am working on it, but it's hard to keep a lid on sometimes. Start: At least I am learning to pick my battles and simply ignore the rest. It is an improvement. Just don't go after my kids, that really is just about the only battle worth waging - and I wage well.
ENGAGING. I always feel forgettable. My assumption is that though we may have met, you would not have remembered me. If you and I are at the same event and the situation does not present itself for me to say "hello", I don't say "hello" and assume it's not a big deal. Start: It is super uncomfortable, but I'm making an effort to say "hello" even if, which is very likely, I've forgotten your name. I just apologise up front and greet you anyway.
MONEY: Money has always scared me and it is one of the few things - a HUGE thing - that makes me want to put my head in the sand and ignore. Hmm. Not smart. For years I haven't had to administer the payment of a household bill and it was bliss. Not having to address that knot in my stomach. Guess what? I do now! Start: I'm opening bills and paying them right away. It still makes me uncomfortable but I'm dealing with it.
LETTERS. I want to write letters. Real letters. I just can't seem to find the time. Start: I have a box of notecards and a pen in my purse. It may not be a long note, but it's better than nothing.
MUSIC. For years I've been mocked over my choices in music (not edgy or obscure enough). Outside of the privacy of my vehicle, I stopped listening. Start: I have turned off the television and music is playing in the house all day long. Not only is it less distracting, I get so much more done through the day.
CONNECTION. The last six months have been an odd and uncertain chapter in my life, one of extreme transition for me and for my kids. We have, not by choice (certainly not theirs), disconnected from parts of our recent past. Start: We are reconnecting with family and friends on a regular basis. Regular phone calls. Regular visits. It has been wonderful. So good for my children, and me too!
CREATIVITY. Totally abandoned, as evidenced by the lack of regular posting here on the blog! No writing. No photos. No scrapbook pages. No decor changes. No plans. Sigh. Start: I've raised my hand and volunteered to take some photos for others. It's not much, but it's something. I've even inched back into posting. Sort of.
SAYING "NO". I asked my kids "what am I really bad at" and they each responded with the same thing. Clearly this is something that should change :) I do say "yes" a lot but I think over the winter they need, and we need, a bit more structure. In order to do that, I'll have to throw around a few "no's". Start: nothing yet, but considering.
So, the easy part - identification - is done. The hard part - starting - is underway!
