I have read that if you write down your goals you’re more likely to achieve them. That the act of writing them down solidifies the desire into action. Part of me hates the idea of making resolutions because why is January 1st so special? It isn’t. Not really. It isn’t the solstice, or a birthday or anything else. It is just how we chose to divide up the calendar and every new day is a new opportunity for growth. However, it is a symbolic gesture so with that in mind here are some of my goals for the new year.
My resolution themes this year are to simplify, connect, and create. In short to be happy. Isn’t that the goal of life?
As I have written about before, I want to simplify my life and embrace minimalism. I have a lot of stuff. I have owned the million dollar house and the fancy car and 6-figure salary and it hasn’t made me happy. In fact the opposite is true. The happiest times in my life have been when I have been poor, or at least poor in material goods, and have had few possessions. I have found that every time I travel, it doesn’t matter how much I pack, I always end up wearing one pair of pants the whole time, and only a few shirts. So why did I pack so much?
This need for simplification carries over to moving to Japan. I would like to embrace the Japanese aesthetic of simplicity and that starts before we even move. We will need to reduce the amount of stuff we have and make more conscious decisions around what we keep. “Does it have value and enrich our lives?”
Along with moving to Japan comes the need for greater connection. Connection to my community, connection to my spouse, and connection to the earth. While this sounds corny, but it’s going to manifest itself in a number of ways.
I do not speak Japanese…yet. So one of the goals for the year is to start getting more fluent and find someone who will teach me. This will help me connect to my community, my new country, and the people around me. It will also help me connect to my husband. To better understand his culture and where he is coming from. I have read that when you learn to speak a different language you actually think differently. That sounds exciting to me.
Another resolution is to spend more time gardening. We live in the country side and I think this will help further connect with the community around me. We have a half acre with Kiwi trees and Yuzu and I want to start growing fruit, drying it, and making jam. I want the satisfaction that comes from eating what you have grown.
I am resolved to cycle more. With moving and leaving work behind (since I won’t need money to buy more stuff) I can spend more time on the bike. Not only is it healthier; I enjoy cycling because it is like meditation to me. The repetition of the pedalling makes it very easy to enter one’s own head. This connection with self leads to meditation.
I want to meditate more and set time aside for it because I believe it is beneficial. Meditation, when I have taken it seriously and made time for it has proven to be very helpful to my state of mind. I feel more grounded, and better able to withstand the bumps and bruises life throws at me. I wouldn’t be surprised if it helps me be more creative. I have all these ideas for art I would like to create but when I get home I have no energy for it. I would rather just veg in front of the T.V. or at least some part of me would.
I resolve to get back into pottery! Once we have moved and settled in Japan I would like to find a kick wheel and kiln. I found out that Ken Matsuzaki (a pottery who I admire) is in Mashiko, an hour away! Pottery is very important to me, and I wish I could have kept my studio. However the wheel was just too heavy and the kiln is old to be worth moving. Pottery allows me to connected with the creative energy within. And it definitely makes me happy.
Happiness should be the goal of any resolution. Whether it is dieting, or getting more exercise, getting organized or learning a new skill. It should serve to make you happier. I believe if it does then it will reinforce itself.
So here’s to a Happy 2019!