"Do you know where your New Year Resolution is?"
That is an often asked question in the days and months that follow the new year. Statistics show that the majority of resolution-makers eventually abandon their pursuits. During the past five years, as I have studied and practiced what works and what doesn't work, I have encountered scores of passionate people who do persist day-after-day. I coined the word 'Resolutionista' for these folks and the 'resolve' they patiently display: Resolutionistas make resolutions, keep resolutions and enjoy the journey! Borrowing on my years as a working journalist, I am running an inspirational series of interviews with ordinary folks who do extraordinary things. They breathe life into their dreams, resolutions and daily goals, one small step at a time, one day at a time over the long haul. Though they may statistically be in the minority of resolution-makers (the ones who succeed), I want to highlight 'what works', and give them credit for their accomplishments!
Resolutionista (rez – o – lution – ista) Noun 1. Someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions and enjoys the journey.
In 2010 several Resolutionistas have agreed to take the I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. They are building their year-long game plans around their own personal dreams, resolutions, goals, and Daily Resolves. Each month, they will report on their achievements, obstacles and lessons learned – A.F. 'Angela' Reinhart provides her October update today and reports on steady progress! [Running a little behind on updates – but progress is hard won, so we don't want to miss any reports!]
I met Angela, an artist-writer, in 2009 in my travels around Gather.Com, a Social Networking Site for the over 30 crowd, and also the home of my Gather I Resolve To . . . Group. Angela creates fabulous fine art and commercial illustrations (I fell in love with her painted gourds, they're so colorful and creative!). She also writes children's stories and instructional articles. Her career goals include being a published author and illustrator for children, teens and adult literature. Her current work involves murals, decorative painting, teaching art and providing instructional tutorials.
She has been featured in the Summer All Media Exhibition with Upstream People Gallery on line. She placed third in the American Gourd Society's Decorative Painting Contest (Winter 2008) and third place in The Gourd Magazine – Patriotic-Themed Gourd Contest (Summer 2009). In 2008 she was an on-call designer for The Artist's Club out of Vancouver – her work included the 'Love Of Spring' Welcome Sign Instructional Project, which was well received through several of the Club's catalogs. Closer to home, in the Midwest, 2009 marks her third year to teach art through the Purdue Extension Homemakers Club. Her most recent work includes a new children's story 'Bumbling Blackbird And Clumsy Crow', as well as custom art pieces. [Click here to read Angela's 2009 Profile.]
Kim Simpson: Please provide highlights of your priority goals (you may have one theme with several goals, or goals that vary each month, or some other combination)?
Angela Reinhart: The end of the year is almost here and it is about time that I pass along some pictures. The studio shots taken earlier have since been deleted off my daughter's camera, not a priority I suppose. ;) My camera is back and I now have my photos and postings caught up with my November-December Update.
- Artist Collaboration: We have looked at a couple buildings. A potential building is available with a variety of reasonable repairs, to be able to launch our art coop. Ideas are being considered for smaller-scale start up. Hopes are high and the enthusiasm is not waning.
- Career Avenue: Follow-ups – You are looking at the new Advertising Agent for the Swiss City Monthly, based in Berne, Indiana. I am grateful for this opportunity. I may be able to incorporate my art from time to time, and I am able to continue to work out of my home studio. Besides, it is an amazing little magazine – small in size, big in impact. A national craft supplier/publisher also has picked me up as a new pattern packet instructor. I will pass along more information as this avenue progresses.
- Custom Work: Mother Teresa suncatcher delivers soon. It took a little longer than I thought it would, but I am happy with the final artwork and hope the client will be pleased, too.
- Family Life: Birthdays and Thanksgiving came together well. Some Thanksgiving meals were made the night before. The kids jumped in the kitchen Thanksgiving morning and we pulled together several more dishes. That's teamwork. All in all, we had a nice holiday.
Kim Simpson: How many days did you successfully achieve at least one small step toward your priority goal(s)?
Angela Reinhart: November and December are the months busy with holiday activities. Balance plays an even more important role when things are hectic.
Kim Simpson: What were your significant obstacles? How did you overcome the obstacles?
Angela Reinhart: Time management is another recurring challenge. Self-employment is exactly that, self-governing. It is not an easy job. I think people take their bosses for granted.
Kim Simpson: Were there lessons learned?
Angela Reinhart: Take nothing for granted. If secondary education is not an option, READ. There is nothing you cannot learn. Live life to the fullest; maintain confidence in your passions.
Kim Simpson: What is on tap for the New Year?
Angela Reinhart: A lot is happening.
- Artist Collaboration: We are in the planning stages of inviting area artists to an initial (public) meeting to get an idea of the level of interest and what avenues could be offered through our new facility. Group brainstorming will help iron out the bugs. Great minds at work, I can't wait to see where this takes us.
- Career Avenue: I am awaiting surfaces and compiling the supply list of instructions.
- Custom Work: Last of the holiday orders.
- Fun: Relax and enjoy family and the Holiday Season!
Kim Simpson: Other thoughts?
Angela Reinhart: I am reading two great books: Alchemy by Saint Germain and Angel Power by Janice Connell.
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2010 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Worksheet & Promise. View my 2009-2010 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.
Kim M. Simpson – December 29, 2010
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