res⋅o⋅lu⋅tion
–noun1. | a formal expression of opinion or intention made, usually after voting, by a formal organization, a legislature, a club, or other group. |
2. | a resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something. |
3. | the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc. |
4. | the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose. |
5. | the act or process of resolving or separating into constituent or elementary parts. |
New Years is a time when everyone starts thinking about resolutions and the changes one needs to make in order to have a "better" life. "Better" can refer to more (as in, money, power, creativity, possessions, etc) or less (as in, weight, negative influences, toxic relationships, and for some people it also includes power, possessions, etc).
I have come up with the phrase "Resolution Revolution 2009" in order to refer to resolutions recurring throughout 2009. To me it seems silly to pick one universal date to make changes in your life - I think these things should be a constant, not tied into one specific date. For example, if you know you need to lose weight in order to better your health, why wait until January 1 to institute changes? This goes for all the changes people need to make, not just weight. I know it's usually easier to procrastinate - and that I (personally) am usually convinced that if I have ____ (done/taken care of/in my possession/read/etc) first, then I'll undoubtedly be more successful accomplishing ____ (insert goal here). Why is that?
Without going into a bunch of psychology, reasoning, or excuses, I'm here to post a challenge. I'm challenging you (and myself) to stop putting off change. One day a year - and whether you meet or don't meet one goal - does not make you a success or failure. Personal success is not dependent on one goal. Life is an evolution and depends on constant change.
What are your goals for 2009? Have you written them down? Do you have both long and short term goals? And have you thought about the consequences if you aren't successful in meeting each goal?
A lot of times resolutions are tough to keep - which is why we put them off. When trying to meet a long term goal, the scientific community suggests rewarding yourself for successfully completing steps (or time periods) toward your desired result - that people are much more successful in realizing goals if they receive rewards for different phases. Do you think you are more likely to complete a goal if you are rewarded for completing phases on your goal journey?
There are many different realms people can set goals for themselves - personal (taking better care of ones self, learning a language), health (smoking cessation, weight loss), work (get the promotion, stop procrastinating), creativity (spend more time in the studio, complete one piece of art/week)...and on and on. Since my blog is focused on art, I'm going to make some creative resolutions here. I'm doing this because another point the scientific community agrees on is that by making a resolution public, you are more likely to stick to it.
In 2009, I am going to...
* keep up with my blog. Whether it is posting new Woot Loot, fresh art, links to other amazing artists, reviews of books/products, or even just a good quote, I will make seven posts a week.
* create at least one piece of art I really like every week. Things like my "ugly piece" do not count until they are completed. I can work on any number of pieces during a given week - but I must actually complete at least one piece I really like.
* try at least one new technique a month and post the results. I have a whole binder of great things I want to try - and never get to them. This is the year I will wade through the list.
* submit pieces/projects/articles to publications. Whether they get published or not is something I have no control over - but I can get over the fear of just submitting!
* take my camera with me everywhere. I have a bad habit of leaving it at home - then wishing I had it with me. This may sound like it doesn't belong on this list - but it does. And here's why...I am constantly looking for pictures of texture, cropped pictures of different things to include in my art. I don't create pieces using pictures like this because I don't want to track down the person who took the original photo - and (whether this is true or not) it feels like my art isn't authentically me because I've used someone elses art in mine. I suppose this could easily be said about using other elements as well - using something Doodlebug or Around the Block puts out, for example. In my own wonky way of thinking, it doesn't feel the same. So I am going to take my digital camera with me everywhere.
I hope some of my resolutions will resonate with you - and that my public posting will encourage you to make a list of your own. I plan on referring to Resolution Revolution 2009 throughout the year - and I would love it if you would join me in this adventure. Why not start right now by leaving a comment with your resolution(s)?
To kick off Resolution Revolution 2009, I'm having another giveaway. The term "giveaway" seems so dull - so in my kingdom, giveaways will be known as Woot Loot. I had so much fun with the first one that I can't wait to kick off this latest Woot Loot! It is super easy to enter - but you must follow the instructions, lest you be disqualified...and we don't want that!!
Ways to get ONE ENTRY
~ Leave a comment.
~ Leave a SEPARATE comment with your resolution(s) for Resolution Revolution 2009 (one entry for each resolution)
~ Follow me on Twitter (and leave a separate comment with your Twitter name)
THREE ENTRIES
~ Blog about Resolution Revolution 2009 on your blog (come back and leave me a link to get your additional entries)
And what, dear subjects, are you entering to win? Well even though this one isn't a surprise...it would still be very cool to win - it's a handmade WATCH! Done in beautiful sodalite.
SODALITE
Color: Mostly dark blue with some white calcite interspersed, can include small specks of pyrite. Is often confused with lapis lazuli. (Lapis has green included many times, which is how I usually tell them apart.)
Healing Properties: Offers inner peace. Harmonizes inner being (conscious mind) with the subconscious mind. Promotes peace and harmony. Athletes use sodalite to promote endurance; for writers it is supposed to be "extra lucky". It is associated with the thyroid, weight loss, good communication and will give the wearer the confidence to speak more (which the Queen obviously does not need!). Good to keep around your house so its peaceful properties can surround you.
The face of the watch is genuine Geneva, with a sterling silver heart shape. It has small numbers and quarter hour markings around the face. Black hands (including a second hand). Sodalite chips and small rounds work with sterling silver balls and short tubes (with antiqued "x" markings) to make up a double band. The watch is finished off with a heart spring clasp, and has 5 sterling silver puffed heart charms next to the clasp. Is easily dressed up or down. The band is for a larger wrist. Retail value is $30.
As always, my camera is awful - take that into consideration when viewing the watch. :)
The not-so-fine print - but important info - PLEASE READ:
This Woot Loot ends January 23, 2009 - the winner will be announced January 24, 2009. Please leave your email address in your comment(s) (if your comment doesn't link to your blog) so I can notify you if you win. Winner has 3 (THREE) days to respond to winning notification - if no response, I'll notify the runner up on the list. We'll just keep at it until someone responds and wants the prize. :) This time, the winner will be chosen by names pulled out of the crown by the Princess.
GOOD LUCK!This Woot Loot ends January 23, 2009 - the winner will be announced January 24, 2009. Please leave your email address in your comment(s) (if your comment doesn't link to your blog) so I can notify you if you win. Winner has 3 (THREE) days to respond to winning notification - if no response, I'll notify the runner up on the list. We'll just keep at it until someone responds and wants the prize. :) This time, the winner will be chosen by names pulled out of the crown by the Princess.
113 Royal Responses:
Hey, I need that gorgeous watch! My Big Lots $5 watch is about over. Your blog is the most entertaining thing I've done all day. I put your give-a-way on my blog so watch out for traffic jams....LOL
Happy New Year!
Pat
akamomto7@yahoo.com
That watch is beautiful. Healing properties from the stones, extra bonus there.
WOOT LOOT! I love it! Also loove the watch. I'm glad it comes with a larger band. One size does NOT fit all and watches always seem to be too small! Thanks for sharing!
My resolution is to try to catch up on reading.I have several new books I haven't gotten to and a Maine winter is a great time to read! Thanks!
WOOT LOOT? That is just too Kewl! I love the watch too, great that it includes healing properties. thanks
resolutions? I don't usually make them, I simply think I need to do something and when I can get my brain to co-operate, I do them. but...I can list them
I need to be better organized
and I am going to drop about 30 pounds, did that last year, gained half of it back, and it's gonna go away and stay gone this time!
finish the things I start
and I am now following you and my name is yelowflower.
Lovely...thanks for the chance.
Please count me in :0
My resolution is to get to bed at a decent hour so I am not so tired the next day.
I follow you on Twitter. I'm mysticonn.
nice, please sign me up!
jayme[dot]bouwens@yahoo[dot]com
Woot Loot! How funny. The watch looks pretty even if the photo doesn't do it justice. Thanks.
TRigell at aol dot com
My resolution is to become more organized. I'm trying to organize coupons, incoming mail, to do lists, bills, etc. I'm using a planner to help!
TRigell at aol dot com
I love this watch! thanks so much!
henriettab294{at}gmail.com
My resolution is to be tidier and eat more organic!
i follow you on twitter. user=faerie3
Beautiful watch Missy! I just posted your blog giveaway on my blog, I love the idea of Woot Loot! Whoohoo! LOL
Woot loot! Sign me up!
andih@verizon.net
Thank you!
Andi
I'm with you on the "take my camera with me everywhere i go" resolution. I'm tired of the moments when I'm out and about and miss taking a great picture because my camera is sitting at home! lol.
hi :) I am new here to your blog and the yahoogroup wher ei saw this few minutes ago :) I will go voer to my blog and post your giveaway :) I enjoy spreading words of giveaways...I will be back in few minutes with the link.
http://tribalwitch.blogspot.com/2009/01/woot-loot-giveaway.html here is the post about your blog giveaway. witchycime@msn.com love your blog :P
Love your blog and love the watch! Thanks for the chace and will post about your giveaway soon..
Elise
woot woot for woot loot!
woot woot for woot loot!
my resolution is to stop eating junk food and doing better in school!
i am following you!
thegiveawaydiva
This is a beautiful watch.
Lovely new watch for the New Year.
One resolution of mine is to be kinder to the ones I love, not to take them for granted.
I resolve to play more and work less.
My resolution is to be more organized...
madamerkf at aol dot com
gorgeous watch! thanks for the giveaway!!
britt.farris@yahoo.com
my resolution is to pay off all credit card debt!
britt.farris@yahoo.com
following you on twitter
(@britzy2)
britt.farris@yahoo.com
Please count me in on this - what a beautiful watch!
My resolution is to balance out my life in everything. Of course, that means getting more organized so that I can be balanced. A place for everything is my goal.
I am one of your followers. You do nice things.
Great blog! Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm a follower!
My resolution - more exercise!!
I've posted about your giveaway..
no resolutions for me, that way I don't have to dissapoint! lol
I'm resolving to clear away clutter around my house.
Nifty giveaway and blog post. Yay!
I follow you on twitter (nape9393).
I HEART the lovely heart watch.
Hearken ye Fair Lady,....
Methinks I have yet to imagine a heart-watch more gentle and noble...
Perchance me wishing thrice, tis wondrous crinkum-crankum will like enough compass me wrist!
pumpkinlady430@yahoo.com
Very pretty watch. Love your blog. Thanks for the Woot Loot; GREAT PHRASE.
I think Woot Loot is the cutest name..Glad i found your blog:)
cyclona66@aol.com
My resolution is to continue with my Herbal and Natural Medicine Studies:)
cyclona66@aol.com
Hi, love your blog! <3
Please sign me up for this Woot Loot! XD
Aik
aikychien@yahoo.com
My resolution is to limit myself from entering every single online contest and giveaways everyday! I'm totally out of control!
100%true,
aikychien@yahoo.com
What a beautiful watch! I have a sodalite ring and I absolutely love the stone...so pretty!
Thanks for the chance to win!
proudyaya04 {at} yahoo {dot} com
My resolution is to take better care of my health by eating healthier and getting more exercise.
proudyaya04 {at} yahoo {dot} com
pretty watch! ou la la. thanks for the giveaway :D
caitlinhyla@gmail.com
one of my resolutions is to try out yoga!
caitlinhyla@gmail.com
What a beautiful watch! I love the phrase 'woot loot'. Funny!
elissa at huebert dot org
My main resolution is to be a more consistent mother.
elissa at huebert dot org
A very nice blog, indeed.
This year I made the only resolution that I thought I might be able to keep and that was to have no resolution at all! It was not easy to do this because once I resolved not to be resolute about anything, well...I sort of broke my resolution...At any rate, This is the first year that I will not cut out chocolate, exercise more or surf less..I really think I can stick with it this year!
Happy New Year!
Nancy
meandfrogboy@yahoo.com
Woot Loot is a great name for giveaways. This watch looks beautiful, I'd love to win!
Beautiful watch- hooray for Woot Loot in 2009!
linjenals at yahoo dot com
My resoltion for 2009 is to take my dog and son on more walks-thanks!
linjenals at yahoo dot com
Woot Loot, brilliant! Lovely watch.
chani.adams(at)gmail.com
I resolve to lose weight.
chani.adams(at)gmail.com
I also resolve to read more.
chani.adams(at)gmail.com
Cool giveaway! I like your blog!
Cheers,
Melody
mel_88_88 at hotmail dot com
My resolution is to exercise more this year!! I've put on so much weight..
Thanks for the giveaway!
Cheers,
Melody
mel_88_88 at hotmail dot com
Im following you on twitter!
Im mel_88_88
Thanks!
Cheers,
Melody
mel_88_88 at hotmail dot com
I just blogged about your giveaway at:
http://mel-88-88.livejournal.com/19348.html
Thanks!
Cheers,
melody
mel_88_88 at hotmail dot com
It's so pretty! I'd love to wear it!
What a sweet watch and to help with inner peace--everyone should have one. my little sis ranchmama directed me here and I am glad I checked it out. Love your blog. My only resolution is to quit procrastinating so much and follow thru on all tasks.
Diane--mackgirl63@yahoo.com
I just love wrist art!
Beautiful watch. Everyone needs to have inner peace. My resolution is to get organized--so far--so good.
Thanks for a great giveaway.
tskrush(at)cox(dot)net
I would love this watch and I need a new one.
mdhohn(at)msn(dot)com
My resolution is to work out 5 days a week.
mdhohn(at)msn(dot)com
I love it! "Woot loot"! Thanks for the giveaway!
My resolution is to be more organized. Especially my basement!
My resolution is to read the newspaper more. I need to keep up with my current events. thanks!
Gorgeous watch! My resolution is to try and be a more patient wife and mommy! Great giveaway - thanks for offering!
~Tanya
the4moyers(at)msn(dot)com
The watch is gorgeous! You're very talented! And boy could I use some healing properties, lol. Thx!
Resolution #1- Get my homeschooling more stream-lined.
Resolution #2- Work on not being a people-pleaser (and it's coming along better than I thought!)
Resolution #3- Actually stick to my diet this year by finding creative ways to avoid emotional eating. I want to rock my bathing suit this summer better than ever before!
Following you on Twitter! :)
I need to become more independent.
What a great piece! Thanks for the opportunity to win it.
My resolution is to stop telling people it's OK when it is NOT.
GORGEOUS - I absolutely LOVE this watch. It is so pretty, I would love to wear it. Thanks for the Chance =)
My resolution is to do Volunteer work at our local Animal Shelter because they desperately need the help....
My resolution is to get rid of some of this junk in my trunk..lol..I love sweets but, they sure don't love me =)
My resolution is to stand up for myself more and stop letting people talk down to me like I'm not even there. I'm going to get more of a Back Bone!!!!
My resolution is to go back to school to be an X-Ray Technician because nursing has become to grueling with no time off...
My resolution isa to beome more organized...
madamerkf at aol dot com
I voted in your poll regarding the " woot loot"..love the title!
madamerkf at aol dot com
You have some great resolutions!
My resolution is to get organized
follow twitter - momof2dancers
This watch is beautiful! My watch just broke so I would love to have this!
GORGEOUS!!! : )))
Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
I've committed to pay it forward more and more and more in 2009! : )))
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
YAHOOOO!!! I am now following you on TWITTER....username: leahita!!! : )))
Thanks again for the give~away! : )))
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
Please enter me.
rsgrandinetti(at)yahoo(dot)com
That is a gorgeous watch, I would love to have something so beautiful and useful.
As for my resolution there is many things I would like to improve on. But one that I really want to focus on is take alittle bit of extra time to sit down and just have quality tv free time with my daughter. Our schedules have goitten busier and I don't want to lose our close connection.
My usual resolution is always to lose weight. Hmmm....
I love this watch!
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
What a lovely watch! Thank you for educating us about Sodalite.
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
My Resolution 2009 is to develop daily exercise into a normal routine in my life. I'm trying to make it a way of life instead of a chore that has to be done. I'm hoping by this summer it will come as natural to me as eating and sleeping.
nanja[at]comcast[dot]net
I love the term woot loot. How original.
My first resolution is to find a full-time job this year.
My second resolution would be to actually use my gym membership by going at least 2 times a week.
My last resolution is to pay off at least half of my credit card debt and to not accumulate any more debt.
I sooo want to lose this baby weight....I NEED to lose this baby weight! That is my resolutions
jasonncaryn at yahoo dot com
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