TEN for 2010

In my last post, I told you that my one little word for 2010 is "wholehearted". 

{wholehearted} [ˌhəʊlˈhɑːtɪd] adj
1. done, acted, given, etc., with total sincerity, enthusiasm, or commitment
2. with unconditional and enthusiastic devotion; "heart-whole friendship"; "gave wholehearted support to her candidacy"; "wholehearted commitment"; "demonstrated his whole-souled allegiance"

synonyms: sincere, complete, committed, genuine, real, true, determined, earnest, warm, devoted, dedicated, enthusiastic, emphatic, hearty, heartfelt, zealous, unqualified, unstinting, unreserved, unfeigned.

Sources - a number of online dictionaries that I borrowed from and consolidated into my own definition.  Google "wholehearted" to see the originals.

In order to live and love with my whole heart in 2010, I have set ten intentions for myself for the year.  Note, I said "intentions."  I'm not getting caught up in resolutions that I'll break or goals that I won't be able to reach.  This is meant more to be the way I want to live my life in 2010.  I know I won't be able to adhere to it perfectly.  But having set the intentions, I also know I'll do a better job of living wholeheartedly than if I had not taken the time to think this through and document what it means to me.

I plan to document my "wholehearted journey" in an art journal (having signed up for Tangie Baxter's Art Journal Caravan to learn more about this genre of creative expression.)  I will also be following along with Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project as well as Brene Brown's Ordinary Courage blog as additional sources of inspiration for meeting my 2010 intentions.  Gretchen's book The Happiness Project was just released on December 29, 2009 and hit #2 on the New York Times Bestseller List in its first week.  I had pre-ordered the book and found it to be a quick and easy read packed with great ideas for bringing more joy into your life and learning to recognize the joy that is already there that is sometimes all too easy to take for granted. 

Credits: background, wings and heart from Tangie Baxter's Art Journal Caravan kit; 10 Plans notebook paper from LivE Designs, available as a free download on her blog.

With all that in mind, here is what my Ten Intentions mean to me:

1. “Take Care of Myself” - Eat real food - not the processed stuff that comes conveniently packaged in single-serving size crinkly packages. Exercise more. Make time for pampering - including shaving, exfoliating, manicures and pedicures (even if it's just the do-it-yourself variety). Keep up with medical appointments and needs.

2. “Kiss More, Hug More, Love More” – Spend more time with my husband and kids, be accessible when needed, listen attentively, show appreciation.

3. “Practice Kindness” - Find opportunities to serve strangers. Be polite to sales clerks. Smile. There is only Love.

4. “Tackle a Nagging Task” - At least weekly cross something that you’ve been avoiding off your “to do” list. It can be as simple as making a phone call to schedule blood work or as big as completing an unfinished project.

5. “Buy Some Happiness” - Spend money on small splurges that have big impact. Things that will make your life better or really make you happy. Make charitable contributions.

6. “Learn Something New Every Day” – be mindful of your surroundings, your day, what people say to you, stretch beyond your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to tackle new technology.

7. “Cultivate Friendships” – remember birthdays, make phone calls, make an extra effort to connect on a regular basis.

8. “Have an Attitude of Gratitude” – be aware everyday of what you have to be thankful for; try to find the silver lining in difficult situations.

9. “Make Time to Create” – blog at least 3x per week; create at least one layout per week; engage fully in online classes. As time permits, finish up unfinished projects from prior online classes (see # 4).

10. “Laugh Out Loud” – lighten up, enjoy life, don’t take yourself so seriously, make time to play, seek out activities that you enjoy and that make you happy.

With my Wholehearted Journey Art Journal, I intend to document specific things in my life that I have found to be grateful for, things I have learned throughout the year, and kindnesses that I have given and received.  I'm not committing myself to document these things daily or weekly as I don't want to turn the Wholehearted Journey into another chore that needs to be crossed off a list.  I want to enjoy the process and document it as I am moved to do so.

What about you?  Have you chosen a word for 2010? Have you set goals, resolutions, intentions? What is your process for tackling this?