I did this last year, and it was interesting to go back and read it today. I think one of the things I like most about keeping a journal is the ability to review the past without quite as much reliance on my memory. Looking at the list of things I wanted to do in 2003 is encouraging, as I did achieve most of them.
Five things that 2003 taught me:
1) No amount of love will ever be enough to help those who refuse to even acknowledge their problems.
2) Radical honesty does work.
3) If I don’t take care of myself, I cannot be a good parent or partner.
4) If I want something, I have to ask for it very clearly and specifically.
5) I am not responsible for my partner’s relationships with others. No matter how close we are, his relationships are his own to handle.
Five personally significant events of 2003:
1) The end of our quad
2) sambear‘s children leaving to live with their mother
3) Returning to college
4) Living more frugally and happily
5) Spending a lot more time with sambear
Five things I want to do in 2004:
1) Become a better student
2) Submit at least 2 articles for sale/publication
3) Continue to improve my health
4) Get involved with a new musical group
5) Develop more friendships
Five things I don’t want to do in 2004:
1) Let myself fall behind on my school projects
2) Let the house get out of control
3) Get entangled in unhealthy relationships
4) Lose sight of my goals
5) Put up with unwarranted drama from anyone
Five people who I’d like to know better in 2004: (I’m excluding those in my household this time)
1) curiousmay9
2) wordcandlemage
3) Marie
4) hopeevey
5) waya and ottergrrl
6) crimsonblossom
7) faebouche
Actually, there are lots of people. Lots and lots. I know I’m leaving people out accidentally, and I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.
This year has been less exciting than the last in good ways. The custody battle was the most dramatic part of the year, and while we still aren’t happy with the results it is, at least, over. Our smaller household is much happier and more peaceful. Sam lost his job, which was actually a blessing in disguise—he absolutely hated that job. He had time to recover and regroup before going back to work, and we got to spend a lot more time together than we have in the past.
We reduced our expenses, moving to an apartment and rearranging things so that we can get by with just one vehicle. I went back to school. I believe we maintained better boundaries with everyone we interacted with than we have in the past. We freed ourselves from a lot of clutter, both physical and otherwise. We have put more energy into the important things in our lives than the merely urgent ones.
It has been a very good year. I feel more positive about the future than I have in years. I know that things will continue to improve as we continue to do the right things. I wish the same for all of you.
