A Daily Practice

It’s day two of trying to keep my resolutions for 2020. I’d like to start out by saying this:

For those of you who sent encouraging messages to me in response to my previous blog entry, thank you. It really means a lot to me that so many of you expressed care. It wasn’t necessarily my intent to garner sympathy but you guys were there for me, and I won’t soon forget your pep-talks (but I probably will eventually. That's just how memory works).

I do, however, want to emphasize that my goal with the last post was to fire me up to make the positive changes I’ve been contemplating making for a while now. I think it may have seemed like I might have been ignoring previous accomplishments or being too hard on myself. To that aspect, I will have to disagree, and you’re just going to have to trust me on this.
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I am proud of the ways I’ve grown in the past decade. I’ve overcome some huge hurdles and I’ve become a person that I think is generally pretty cool. I’m simply ready to take on the next decade with fervor. I want to see what I can do going forward.

Here I am looking like I'm trying to lure small children into a windowless van.

​​That being said, I have identified a few, specific steps/goals for the next year that I hope will keep that fire burning.

Goal 1:

• I’m attempting to wake up about 20 mins early everyday and do Yoga first thing in the morning. If not in the morning, at some point during the day, but the morning is where I’m starting out. 

Why? Because I think psychologically, it will help quiet my spirit and renew a sense of grace towards myself and others. Physically, I hope it will help strengthen my muscles and increase flexibility; specifically I'd like to alleviate this stupid grandma condition I have (Plantar Fasciitis) so that I can get back into running and Muay Thai.

As you can see, I'm doing all I can to avoid wearing those squeaky, shiny, tan orthopedic shoes that you might find on the gnarled feet nearly every resident at any retirement community in the country. You know the ones...

​Along those lines, I also purchased some new running shoes, and new sports-wear. There’s just something about a new sports bra that makes you want to jump up and kick-ass. Amiright ladies?

Goal 2: 

• I am going to draw something EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Yeah, and it’s a leap year so it’s 366 days.

This is a big one for me. I’ve never done anything like it before so I’m a little nervous, but when I break it down, I don’t think it’s going to be too bad. In fact, I have a feeling its going to be a lot of fun!

I’m not saying I’ll be drawing a mega-masterpiece, magnum opus. I’m talking about just sketching. If I can do it in 30 seconds, it counts. Of course, I’d hope I can do more than just a 30 second drawing but the point is, developing consistency for my creativity. I believe this practice will enhance my drawing skills and make me a better artist. I’m also hoping it will lead me onto creating bigger and better things. 

Drawing from January 1.

Now, what do I need from you? I am asking you to hold me accountable (unless you don’t care. If you don’t care, please just move along with your day). I’ll be posting my sketches to my Instagram daily, and I may occasionally post one or two here. If you notice that I have stopped posting them, feel free to pester me about it.

That’s right, I gave you permission to try and annoy me (notice how I didn’t say “harass”). Studies show that having accountability increases the likelihood of the person meeting their goals. So here I go you guys!

-Angela