New Year's Resolutions

[casper]

Approaching the end of the year and the beginning of the year is one of those times when you chart a (preferably) a specific goal that you want to achieve over the next year.
For example, if someone decides to be in the new year to feed healthy it will affect the way and the quality of his life. I read in a book that sometimes, setting targets people realize that some things really do not want, it is also a great feedback, because in this case will cease to waste energy on something you really want, so that "scattered" energy able to direct the desired goals .Also, psychologists advise to carefully analyze the previous year in order to know what we need to change, and warned not to steal other people's ideas, but we need to be closer to the authentic needs.
So, I ask you what you would like to change or achieve in 2016?

 

[s-kur]

Hi Casper!

My goal is going to be achieving more ordered being step by step and to get closer to the state I imagine myself. From the ordinary life's perspective I want to step over "catch 44" where I have to dedicate the most part of my time to the things that doesn't serve any [good] purposes neither mine nor others. And nowaday conditions is approaching me to the jump that will be done just after NY. And of course, my approach is to dive quite deeper in thing I've learnt that already "calmed down" and comprehended into the consciousness, plus adding there some new stuff. There's no chance to be bored :)

Personally for me it was a great year filled with many large and small event I've learnt from. Some "evolutionary" moments were achieved such as preventing of to be puzzled and discombobulated by people, interrupting of disintegrating relationships, even if it was associated with "closed ones", as well as stopped to be a feeding person(I don't think that there's really GREAT progress, though I can't compare and judge), I learnt English a bit better that provided me an opportunity to be engaged here and there better. It's not so much, prolly, but that is is:)

Sorry I'm not so sharp in my descriptions

In general, I think one has to start to achive one's goals right now, and it's great lesson one should learn that called "tomorrow" :)

What about you, Casper?

 

[loreta]

Hi Casper!

I don't have a specific goal for next year, it is a continuity of this year, where I tried to grow and learn. So 2016 will continue. This year, 2015 I can see that was a very interesting year where I was less stressed, less depressed and had some insights about myself. So I hope this will continue in the days that will come. My great experience of this year was to become a young editor for Sott. I was thinking yesterday that this experience gave me the chance to give and received so much! I will follow this law: give and give. Not waiting nothing because I give but I know that when you give you make space to receive.I have some bureaucratic issues that will present in the weeks that are coming, but hopefully I think I will not be in a panic mode. I will start soon a thread in the forum to have a better view of the situation. Yes, this year gave me the chance to be less afraid to ask for help. So next year will follow this sort of attitude. Maybe the better desire for 2016 is to become a better person, for myself and others.

 

[Marina9]

Hello Casper!
As for me this 2015 has been quite hectic, a lot of things going on, changing habits and dealing with my bulimia, I think the most important thing I look forward to is starting a new year feeling better about myself, contributing to help others and been more present with my family, leaving old "friends" and realizing this people were not friends at all. It's been quite an experience this year, and as it's also my bday soon so im happy to turn 25 and celebrate it with joy and happiness with my family, not thinking about the eating disorder. I think the lessons im learning have to continue going on, i've always thought new year's resolutions have to be something we think on a daily basis, we have to strive for better things day by day, learning and acquiring more conscious :D

 

[kujo]

Something I return to every few months revolves around "stuff," material things, usually clothes, and the acquisition of them.

Are these items useful? Do I need them? Does someone else need them? Why am I acquiring them? At what cost?

One of my goals for 2016 is to be more conscious about items that enter into my possession, to be a better gatekeeper and manager of the things in my life. Every item requires some sort of attention, whether continuously or in intervals. Every time I go to organize a room or the things within it I'm reminded of certain objects and either struggle to find a place for them to go, or a use for them immediately or later on. Often the justifications are just absurd.

This also means coming to terms with my own image, and what someone might think of me for "throwing away" or getting rid of something that "should" have some sort of sentimental value. It's a reconciliation with the self.

To set some obtainable goals I have 2 simple rules I will work with to help me decide whether to keep/obtain something, and whether or not some item needs to go out the door.

Items already in the house: Has it been utilized in 2 years time? If no let it go. If yes, keep.
Items in consideration: Do I possess something that already does the job? If no, ok. If yes, pass it up.

I cannot keep collecting things that "might be useful." They just end up as cobwebs in my brain, things to keep dusting off, but RARELY ever utilizing because there is no orderly way to store these random items.

Knickknacks, "cool" things, oye...

 

[T.C.]

Something I return to every few months revolves around "stuff," material things, usually clothes, and the acquisition of them.

Are these items useful? Do I need them? Does someone else need them? Why am I acquiring them? At what cost?

One of my goals for 2016 is to be more conscious about items that enter into my possession, to be a better gatekeeper and manager of the things in my life. Every item requires some sort of attention, whether continuously or in intervals. Every time I go to organize a room or the things within it I'm reminded of certain objects and either struggle to find a place for them to go, or a use for them immediately or later on. Often the justifications are just absurd.

This also means coming to terms with my own image, and what someone might think of me for "throwing away" or getting rid of something that "should" have some sort of sentimental value. It's a reconciliation with the self.

To set some obtainable goals I have 2 simple rules I will work with to help me decide whether to keep/obtain something, and whether or not some item needs to go out the door.

Items already in the house: Has it been utilized in 2 years time? If no let it go. If yes, keep.
Items in consideration: Do I possess something that already does the job? If no, ok. If yes, pass it up.

I cannot keep collecting things that "might be useful." They just end up as cobwebs in my brain, things to keep dusting off, but RARELY ever utilizing because there is no orderly way to store these random items.

Knickknacks, "cool" things, oye...

Well, I've been pretty ruthless over the past number of years when it came to possessions and took any opportunity I could to throw things out that I hadn't used for a good while as an act of catharsis and clearing out and non-attachment to materiality and to the past. But over the last few months, reading articles and listening to podcasts and shows about the upcoming economic collapse, it seems like some good advice to actually not just throw things away or take bags of clothes to the charity shop because you never know if you might be able to use them or need them or barter with them in the future.

Right now in the west, we have a mentality of disposable goods, having pretty much unlimited access to mass produced products at cheap prices imported from overseas. So if we get a hole in a shirt, we'd be more tempted to throw it out and buy another one. But we might not have that option in near-future. So getting good with a needle and thread and getting some books on how to repair things would be useful. Older people like my Grandma - and even my Dad - have these skills and are more likely to be hoarders and keep a larger stock of things like tinned food, because they lived through WWII and periods of deprivation and rationing.

 

[Yupo]

But over the last few months, reading articles and listening to podcasts and shows about the upcoming economic collapse, it seems like some good advice to actually not just throw things away or take bags of clothes to the charity shop because you never know if you might be able to use them or need them or barter with them in the future.

This is kind of where my head has been in the last year or so. I have some space here to store things, so there is no read need to let go of things unless I decide to move. I've been better about acquiring stuff. Not much appetite for shopping anymore.

Biggest physical thing I want to change is my health/energy level.
I feel a need to come up to speed on a lot of subjects. This means sitting home at night doing a lot of reading. My body needs a tune up. Sitting around reading hasn't been so good for my body. I don't make resolutions anymore. I try to do a little better each time I see a problem.

 

[kujo]

But over the last few months, reading articles and listening to podcasts and shows about the upcoming economic collapse, it seems like some good advice to actually not just throw things away or take bags of clothes to the charity shop because you never know if you might be able to use them or need them or barter with them in the future.

This is kind of where my head has been in the last year or so. I have some space here to store things, so there is no read need to let go of things unless I decide to move. I've been better about acquiring stuff. Not much appetite for shopping anymore.

Biggest physical thing I want to change is my health/energy level.
I feel a need to come up to speed on a lot of subjects. This means sitting home at night doing a lot of reading. My body needs a tune up. Sitting around reading hasn't been so good for my body. I don't make resolutions anymore. I try to do a little better each time I see a problem.

That'a a little motto we have at the house that works for us, "make a better choice." It's vague, but it hits the point. Sometimes our goals are too broad and lavish, so bringing it down to baby steps has been the best way to make progress. Diet? Make better choices. Spending? Make better choices. Similar to the AA, "a day at a time." Here's to wishing you good progress in health and energy in 2016 Yupo. :)

To speak on the material aspects from T.C. - I agree, AND, there's really a lot of crap out there. Some of which I've collected over the years. For example, I don't think high-heels will be of high value in an economic collapse so might as well get rid of the x-pairs I have and make hay while the sun shines, and bring home only what has true value.

 

[loreta]

But over the last few months, reading articles and listening to podcasts and shows about the upcoming economic collapse, it seems like some good advice to actually not just throw things away or take bags of clothes to the charity shop because you never know if you might be able to use them or need them or barter with them in the future.

This is kind of where my head has been in the last year or so. I have some space here to store things, so there is no read need to let go of things unless I decide to move. I've been better about acquiring stuff. Not much appetite for shopping anymore.

Biggest physical thing I want to change is my health/energy level.
I feel a need to come up to speed on a lot of subjects. This means sitting home at night doing a lot of reading. My body needs a tune up. Sitting around reading hasn't been so good for my body. I don't make resolutions anymore. I try to do a little better each time I see a problem.

That'a a little motto we have at the house that works for us, "make a better choice." It's vague, but it hits the point. Sometimes our goals are too broad and lavish, so bringing it down to baby steps has been the best way to make progress. Diet? Make better choices. Spending? Make better choices. Similar to the AA, "a day at a time." Here's to wishing you good progress in health and energy in 2016 Yupo. :)

To speak on the material aspects from T.C. - I agree, AND, there's really a lot of crap out there. Some of which I've collected over the years. For example, I don't think high-heels will be of high value in an economic collapse so might as well get rid of the x-pairs I have and make hay while the sun shines, and bring home only what has true value.

I think that the more we see how this world is working, and seeing how others are living in a hell, the most part of us are learning how to live in the "simplicity" that it is an art in itself. Life is teaching us how material is not so important after all. And we learn how to appreciate what we have, even if it not so much. Do I need this? if not, it is ok. If I don't have money for it, it is ok, also. In this society that tells you that you need everything now, I learn to say no.

Beauty is in the simplicity, that is Grace. I remember a very beautiful movie that was about simplicity. "Babette's Feast" a Danish movie based on a short story of Karen Blixen. Grosso modo the story is:

Thirty five years later, Babette Hersant (Stéphane Audran) appears at their door. She carries only a letter from Papin, explaining that she is a refugee from counter-revolutionary bloodshed in Paris, and recommending her as a housekeeper. The sisters cannot afford to take Babette in, but she offers to work for free. Babette serves as their cook for the next 14 years, producing bland meals typical of the abstemious nature of the congregation. Her only link to her former life is a lottery ticket that a friend in Paris renews for her every year. One day, she wins the lottery of 10,000 francs. Instead of using the money to return to Paris and her lost lifestyle, she decides to spend it preparing a delicious dinner for the sisters and their small congregation on the occasion of the founding pastor's hundredth birthday. More than just a feast, the meal is an outpouring of Babette's appreciation, an act of self-sacrifice; Babette tells no one that she is spending her entire winnings on the meal.

This movie tells us how simplicity is important, how things that are important are simple: to be with friends, a good meal with friends, to be present, to live in the present and share what you have, to make right choices in our life, to do things that are important for our souls. The movie is plain of images of simplicity: a candle in front of a window, a chair, a table, a book. In fact Babette is teaching us that simplicity is beauty. And our souls needs beauty in this world that sometimes is so ugly!

Me too I wanted for the next year simplicity and make right choices and appreciate what I have and be with good friends. And share.

The sisters assume that Babette will now return to Paris. However, when she tells them that all of her money is gone and that she is not going anywhere, the sisters are aghast. Babette then reveals that she was formerly the head chef of the Café Anglais, and tells them that dinner for 12 there has a price of 10,000 francs. Martine tearfully says, "Now you will be poor the rest of your life", to which Babette replies, "An artist is never poor."

 

[casper]

What about you, Casper?

These are my New Year's resolutions (desire):

1, find more time for reading and learning
2, eat healthier
3, spend more time in nature
4, introduce more abut myself
5, do not live and not be more alone

 

[kujo]

But over the last few months, reading articles and listening to podcasts and shows about the upcoming economic collapse, it seems like some good advice to actually not just throw things away or take bags of clothes to the charity shop because you never know if you might be able to use them or need them or barter with them in the future.

This is kind of where my head has been in the last year or so. I have some space here to store things, so there is no read need to let go of things unless I decide to move. I've been better about acquiring stuff. Not much appetite for shopping anymore.

Biggest physical thing I want to change is my health/energy level.
I feel a need to come up to speed on a lot of subjects. This means sitting home at night doing a lot of reading. My body needs a tune up. Sitting around reading hasn't been so good for my body. I don't make resolutions anymore. I try to do a little better each time I see a problem.

That'a a little motto we have at the house that works for us, "make a better choice." It's vague, but it hits the point. Sometimes our goals are too broad and lavish, so bringing it down to baby steps has been the best way to make progress. Diet? Make better choices. Spending? Make better choices. Similar to the AA, "a day at a time." Here's to wishing you good progress in health and energy in 2016 Yupo. :)

To speak on the material aspects from T.C. - I agree, AND, there's really a lot of crap out there. Some of which I've collected over the years. For example, I don't think high-heels will be of high value in an economic collapse so might as well get rid of the x-pairs I have and make hay while the sun shines, and bring home only what has true value.

I think that the more we see how this world is working, and seeing how others are living in a hell, the most part of us are learning how to live in the "simplicity" that it is an art in itself. Life is teaching us how material is not so important after all. And we learn how to appreciate what we have, even if it not so much. Do I need this? if not, it is ok. If I don't have money for it, it is ok, also. In this society that tells you that you need everything now, I learn to say no.

Beauty is in the simplicity, that is Grace. I remember a very beautiful movie that was about simplicity. "Babette's Feast" a Danish movie based on a short story of Karen Blixen. Grosso modo the story is:

Thirty five years later, Babette Hersant (Stéphane Audran) appears at their door. She carries only a letter from Papin, explaining that she is a refugee from counter-revolutionary bloodshed in Paris, and recommending her as a housekeeper. The sisters cannot afford to take Babette in, but she offers to work for free. Babette serves as their cook for the next 14 years, producing bland meals typical of the abstemious nature of the congregation. Her only link to her former life is a lottery ticket that a friend in Paris renews for her every year. One day, she wins the lottery of 10,000 francs. Instead of using the money to return to Paris and her lost lifestyle, she decides to spend it preparing a delicious dinner for the sisters and their small congregation on the occasion of the founding pastor's hundredth birthday. More than just a feast, the meal is an outpouring of Babette's appreciation, an act of self-sacrifice; Babette tells no one that she is spending her entire winnings on the meal.

This movie tells us how simplicity is important, how things that are important are simple: to be with friends, a good meal with friends, to be present, to live in the present and share what you have, to make right choices in our life, to do things that are important for our souls. The movie is plain of images of simplicity: a candle in front of a window, a chair, a table, a book. In fact Babette is teaching us that simplicity is beauty. And our souls needs beauty in this world that sometimes is so ugly!

Me too I wanted for the next year simplicity and make right choices and appreciate what I have and be with good friends. And share.

The sisters assume that Babette will now return to Paris. However, when she tells them that all of her money is gone and that she is not going anywhere, the sisters are aghast. Babette then reveals that she was formerly the head chef of the Café Anglais, and tells them that dinner for 12 there has a price of 10,000 francs. Martine tearfully says, "Now you will be poor the rest of your life", to which Babette replies, "An artist is never poor."

Indeed. Simplicity.

I have seen Babette's Feast, it was in an environment with the intent to experience the simple things together, and also a fundraiser for the community building. Locals came together for a big meal, much like Babette's. Our friends cooked, we enjoyed each others company on a blizzardy evening, watched the film together, and ate together. It is one of the memories that sticks out most for me here.

Thank you for the reminder. As it's said, "You can't take it with you."

 

[Yupo]

For a couple of years I have been fear-focused on risk of nuclear war. I live very close to a likely military target. I do believe there is a gear-up for a war, and if it comes it will be dirty. I've been trying to find some land close enough to my livelihood and family, but where I will feel safer. Price keeps suitable places out of my easy reach, over and over. I have just made the decision to let go of the fear and bloom where I am planted. I'm going to make some home improvements. This will be much more affordable than starting from scratch with land somewhere else. Improvements will be things like a root cellar, food fish pond, lean-to greenhouse and such that might help me/my family weather through any hard times to come.
I think I have enough of a lot here to raise most of my food if I am careful with planning and waste avoidance. This idea gives me some optimism which feels really good right now.

 

[kujo]

For a couple of years I have been fear-focused on risk of nuclear war. I live very close to a likely military target. I do believe there is a gear-up for a war, and if it comes it will be dirty. I've been trying to find some land close enough to my livelihood and family, but where I will feel safer. Price keeps suitable places out of my easy reach, over and over. I have just made the decision to let go of the fear and bloom where I am planted. I'm going to make some home improvements. This will be much more affordable than starting from scratch with land somewhere else. Improvements will be things like a root cellar, food fish pond, lean-to greenhouse and such that might help me/my family weather through any hard times to come.
I think I have enough of a lot here to raise most of my food if I am careful with planning and waste avoidance. This idea gives me some optimism which feels really good right now.

Those are all great thoughts, Yupo. Best to your improvements for your living space in the new year. Working together with your family on those projects, too, will strengthen your unit there. All good when weathering through hard times.