For the past three years I’ve done a oneword challenge.  Choosing only one word as a mantra or focus for the year instead of a number of resolutions that quickly go by the way side.  It’s been helpful in many ways and easy to share with others (in hopes of feeling a bit more accountable at those moments when you need it). A quick tweet with #oneword (insert year), a pinterest board of inspiring quotes and images, that oneword on pieces of paper around the house….you get the picture.

This year, I was inspired by Belle’s posting on Capitol Hill Style.  She took inspiration from Hitha on the Go (careful at Hitha’s blog – you’ll get lost in it’s wonderfulness!).  It’s most definitely longer than oneword, more focused than a vague series of resolutions and strikes a nice cord with that reflective practitioner/educator side of me (in fact, I have a group of students who may be doing this this week with a focus on their final university semester).

A BAD HABIT I’M GOING TO BREAK

I am horrible at time management once I’m home in the evenings.  Really. It’s the one time I ignore a to-do list – even when I want to get the stuff done.  So I’m going to work on that.

A NEW SKILL I’D LIKE TO LEARN

We’re planning a BIG reno on the house in the next couple of years and our starting point is using some home design software to sketch out the initial plans.  Usually, I end up directing (AKA asking my husband) the changes on the plans because I don’t take the time to learn how to use the software.  This year, I’m going to learn how to use it!

A PERSON I HOPE TO BE MORE LIKE

One of my grad committee members – he’s gentle yet focused and gets things done.

A GOOD DEED I’M GOING TO DO

I left a volunteer role last year after the organization changed and there wasn’t a next thing for me to step into that was available.  I was sad about that.  Recently, I’ve been asked to return to help out again – and I’m looking forward to it.

A PLACE I’D LIKE TO VISIT

Sandbanks Provincial Park – in the summer.  Swimsuits and sunscreen all around.

A BOOK I’D LIKE TO READ

My husband read this book years ago and loved it…and somehow in all of my reading I haven’t gotten around to reading it myself (even though everyone else has and it’s apparently becoming a movie!).  This is the year for “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein.

A LETTER I’M GOING TO WRITE

My maternal grandparents are (unfortunately) long gone.  However one of their best friends is still around.  She’s recently moved into a home and is a little lonely.  The home is far away so visiting in person is tricky, but I know (because my mom told me!) that she would really appreciate a letter.  So I’m getting on that.

A NEW FOOD I’D LIKE TO TRY

Mongolian dumplings….don’t they just sound yummy?

So there – that’s what I’m hoping to learn, do, try and experience in 2015.