Happy New Years! Try Something New

It's that time of year again.  Time to pull out the pen and paper and write out a list of goals to try to improve yourself.  To lose weight, to eat better, or maybe fulfill a life dream, these and more may be on any given list.  Don't get me wrong, even though I heard on the news that 60% of folks are not bothering to make any new resolutions, I think I will set some goals, but in a unique way. 

First thing I hope to get done before the end of the month is making a vision board.  The board is to represent areas I would like to focus or balance in my life.  I have often heard that the subconscious mind is stronger than any of us can truly understand, but not the easiest thing to tap, and I am hoping keywords and images will help me focus in on what I truly want out of this year!  Also it will serve as a visual reminder daily to keep my mind focused and ready.  One of my favorite movie quotes of all time is from Eat, Pray, Love when the guy said, "You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day."

If you have questions about how to make a vision board, I recommend checking out this video.

I have also decided to make this a "yes" year and focus on the experience of trying new things, making new experiences, and learning! Sounds simple right? Actually I have to chuckle as I the prospect is so daunting, but as the movie Yes Man was about a man getting out of his comfort level, I hope this too will get me out of a rut I have found myself in.  I do not think it will culminate in my singing a jumper off a ledge, but who knows!  Obviously the saying yes will be tempered by free time, reason, and money.  But heck, lets try something different this year, and my first new experience will be the vision board.

My best to you all!
-b

52 letters in 52 weeks - A New Challenge for a New Year

My fellow mail geeks,
You have probably already seen the posts and the challenge put out to write a letter a week.  I, of course, hopped on the band wagon, though my superhero name is more like "400+ pieces of mail a year girl".   (And no this is not an over estimation, I really do send out a lot of mail.)


a stack of mail to go out after a busy weekend writing

The reason I really, really, really want to promote this is to get folks who normally don't write, to consider doing such.  I have about 20 friends who I write to on a routine basis and NEVER get a reply from.  I write because I love them and I know they love the letters, but I do start to lack motivation to send them things after months of no contact.  Usually about the time I go to give up on them, they tell me how much they love the letters and cards and postcards, and so I continue to write.  Vicious cycle? Example: My friend Scott.  I have written him encouragement while he is getting through post-doctoral work.  The other day I received a holiday card from him!  He even admitted in it that it was the first mail he's sent out in a long time and I was the first on the list!  Now that's rewarding!
 So if this post inspires just one person to try to write more, I would feel like I had accomplished something significant. Something that would benefit not just me (in returned letters) but also other folks that would be the recipients of other mail.
Thus for the new year, along with pledging to lose weight, getting organized, and spending less, why not add writing a letter a week?  It is a completely attainable goal and possibly the only resolution you will be able to keep!  But for anybody who would like a tougher challenge, we can hammer out the details in the comments below. Maybe write 52 different people in a year?  A care package a week (kind of expensive)?  Sending out a piece of hand made stationery a week? Or you can just join Andy at the Mailart 365 Project!  He's still taking artist! 

I think I'm leaning toward trying my hand at making a piece of stationery a week or 52 different people, but really do whatever inspires you! 
Write something!  Even a few words will go a long way, and spread the mail love!
-b