Happy New Year, my friends! Doesn't it feel good to look forward to a fresh start? It's the same kind of feeling I get in the early days of June, when the entire summer stretches out before me.
So, let's talk resolutions. I need to be honest and tell you there's only one resolution I've ever kept. That was the time I resolved not to make any more resolutions. (True story.) It was actually very liberating. And it felt good to stick with something.
Lest you think I'm a total slacker, the following year I began picking one word as the theme for my next 12 months. A theme, without its specifics, suits my personality. You see, I'm a directional planner.
Allow me to don my organizational development hat for a moment. There are three types of planning personalities: the structured, goal-oriented planner, who probably makes not just yearly goals but five- and 10-year plans as well (with budgets to boot); the directional planner, who selects a general path with action items but stays open to change and new opportunities; and the winging-it non-planner who goes with the flow and sees what happens. Which one describes you?
I like to think of directional planners like myself as the happy medium, with a nice blend of ambition and a healthy dose of whimsy. (That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.)
So, my word for this year is "Believe." Yes, it's spiritual in nature but has implications for every area of my life. I won't go into specifics (partly because there aren't many), but there's enough there to keep someone like me motivated.
So how does all this apply to Cooking with Mamma C? First, I believe that good things will happen here in 2015. Second, I'm doing some directional planning and could use your help. What would you like to see more of here? Is there something you'd like me to start doing? Please drop me a line here to weigh in (no pun intended.)
Thanks for your input! I wish you many blessings in 2015.
Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser says
Happy New Year Andrea!!! Whenever you run a home and family you must believe in what you are doing, that it is the absolute best for them. Do we make boo-boo's along the way - sure - we are human. If our intentions are good and that motivates a strong family structure everything seems to fall into place. Within a reasonable hiccup every now and then. Your blog is doing fine as your initial motivation was to share your family history with great Italian recipes you grew up with and make for your own family. I hope to see you continue that (for your children). Keep picking your Mom's sweet brain for the recipes!!! My very best always to you my friend. Cheryl
Mamma C says
Thanks for your thoughtful response, Cheryl. I'm always glad to hear from you and wish you the best as well. Happy New Year!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
The older I get, the more comfortable I am living in that middle territory, as well! It's an exciting shift from the days and months that were so carefully planned. It's probably no surprise that my current stage of life allows for change and spontaneity that was a little more difficult to execute while managing so many schedules under one roof. Stages and phases...all fun for different reasons... I love that you've asked your readers to think about this! And I love that 'Believe' is your theme for the year...what a great idea! I'll tell you what I believe...that your choices for this blog have been wonderful and I am excited to see more of what you have to offer! Thank you!
Mamma C says
You make an interesting point, Annie. I suppose our stage in life and our circumstances dictate the degree of planning required. I do believe though, that each of us is drawn to a certain planning style (or lack thereof), and we will default to it when our circumstances allow it. I appreciate your input and am grateful for you "believing" in me. Thank you!