Recently, I saw this quote: “Where your attention goes, your energy flows.”  (Tony Robbins). It really grabbed me! I decided to use this to frame my New Year’s Resolutions. (Call them what you will, Goals. Plans. Grand “To-Do” lists).

The first is easy: My family. So what does that look like in terms of a Resolution?Well….they already have my attention – but when we are together, we are TOGETHER!! Weddings. Graduations. 60th birthdays, heck, any birthdays – And it is fun, and cheerful and loud and messy. And perhaps even joyfully chaotic. But. I have noticed that I am spending less one-on-one time with individuals. My mother-in-law for example. It has literally been YEARS since we have had a cup of coffee or tea, just she and I. It was over a year ago that Gracie, Tova, Scott and I were together, just the four of us, having brunch. I think when you miss those one-on-ones, you miss some details from people’s lives. My Brothers. My step-mother. Sooo… I want to put my attention there – Family One-On-One!

The second? My Friends. Continuing to build those friendships. Simply put, they are all amazing and interesting people and they are deserving of my undivided attention. How does that work? Asking questions, taking note, active listening, paying attention and remembering. I have some amazing role models in this regard – a notecard in the mail thanking me for something that seemed simple. A text message checking in with me if we haven’t talked for a while. Showing up with a small gift, picked up because it reminded them of me.

The third? I want to put attention to intellectual endeavors. Let me begin by saying I am pretty proud of what I have learned about gardening the past few years – talk about a steep learning curve! Now I want to tackle something a bit more academic. Last year I made a goal to read 30 books. I ended up reading 36. This year my goal is 40! And of those, I want to read some scholarly books. Non-fiction. Something that will broaden my knowledge, and because I am an Anglophile, and because I love history, I want to focus on something along that line. You know – CS Lewis or Winston Churchill. Subject TBD. I am actually a little giddy to research and curate a 2025 reading list!

The fourth is pretty obligatory – I want/need to give more attention to my physical health. You and I both know what that looks like: Movement and diet. How I hope to manifest that is through logging physical activities and journaling about, and being intentional about, my diet. Both have worked for me in the past, and I am certain it will going forward in 2025.

Finally(?) For sure – creativity deserves some attention. It is easy to get sucked into spreadsheets, and emails, blogs, pinterest and inspo pictures, but dedicating a certain amount of time to actually DOING is important – writing, painting, floral arranging, quilting and who-knows-what new hobbies await? How do I make sure that happens? I schedule it. I know that is not care-free and spontaneous, but too many times I have been busy with life and finally look at the clock and realize there is no time to get out the messy stuff, so a (very flexible) schedule is worth a try!

Finally, finally. Travel is worth my attention. In fact, travel can incorporate an awful lot of my other goals/resolutions. A hike in a National Park with a grandson after researching it, and taking a picture to paint or write about later? Check, Check, Check and Check.

The only other little goal I have? We – Scott and I – HAVE to get our little dog trained to walk on a leash. I recognize that the next 15 years will be hell if we don’t. For a little thing she can pull hard and is obnoxious. January 2025 is the time to get that in control!

During 2024 I was in a funk. Not trying to get anyone’s sympathy here, it is simply a fact. In 2025, it is my hope/my goal to put positive focus and energy and make space for those things I care about and love. My family and friends, my physical and creative self, my curious self – through travel and life-long learning.