Balance.

I posted previously about trying to decide on my word for 2015. I ended up choosing balance.

I was tempted by focus, and awesome as related to focus. Our social media manager at work had said something along the lines of not doing all the social networks, but choosing some to be awesome at. So I was applying that line of thought to my doing too many things, and wanting to make sure I'm doing well with what I'm working on. Personal and professional.

But I took a step back from that. I realized what I really need to do is get things in balance. If I take something esle on, I have to look at what I can let go. It also means making sure that I balance all the must do things with things I enjoy.

And it also means I don't have to be all the things to all the people. I really need to get time for myself. It doesn't have to be hours a day, but more than just my lunch break during the week.

Which leads to an action plan to get myself started. This month I'll take the time to research a tablet, so I can be more mobile with my writing and other art. I'll also check prices on shelter rentals for a possible writing retreat that I'd tossed out in a writing group.

Then once I get a better balance over 2015, I can look at focus or awesome for 2016. Maybe even do a complete novel edit pass. Or complete rewrite.

One word for 2015

I've been thinking about what my One Word for 2015 should be. This is somewhat based on my StrengthsQuest results, my top 5 are along the lines of gather all the ideas and know all the things.

But there is no focus in there, StrengthsQuest or otherwise. I'm great at ideas but focusing and follow through can be lacking. Plus to sometimes I feel like I have to be all the things for all the people. Having a toddler probably doesn't help much with that.

I do want more time for myself. I miss writing and bead work. I'd like to see how I can work some of that into our routine at home. Perhaps something special to occupy toddler nearby while I bead. Maybe some big beads of her own. She will be 3 next month, so we are getting past the "warning small parts" phase of childhood.

That being said, here is my brainstorming list of words. Perhaps my train of thought can be seen in these.

Balance
Harmony
Enough
Myself
Focus
Finishing
Follow through
Executing
Courage
Belief
Assertive