Variety is the Spice of Life

Several times through out the year I'll grad a sheet of paper, fold it in half vertically, title it "Same" and "Different under the day's date, and begin to list everything that was the same in my life at this time last year, and everything that is different. 

This is fraction of the list but it can give you an idea. It's helpful to see the progress over the year. I often complete tasks and projects and don't really take the time to celebrate the achievements. You may also be accomplishing more than you realize.  

As I review my lists, I'm able to see areas that have improved and others that could use more attention.  The first time I did this it was the result of journaling about sameness. Everything was the same as it had been for years. Same house, same job, same road to work, same activities, same foods, same  . . . . oh, it makes me glaze over to think of it. But it was up to me to change it! That's when I began Collecting Firsts and adding more spice to my life!

                                       Wednesday, May 14, 2014

                  Same                                                   Different

• Same apartment in the same town (Love them both!)
• Family, friends, pets are the same in addition to a delightfully ever expanding circle! 
  
• Continuing to embrace life long learning through Renaissance Institute, reading, researching and writing
• Member of the chorus - love singing in a group again after all these years!
• Continuing to paint
• Actively incorporating creativity and beauty in all aspects of every day life

• My balcony is abundant with flowers and herbs!
• Lots of new friends from RI and Newcomers
  
• Since last year I've taken courses in astronomy, ballet, Baltimore, biographies, memory scrapbooking, modern art, opera, spiritual potpourri
• Joined Ladew Gardens
• Joined a gym; taking weight training
• Wrote, designed, delivered and illustrated Enhancing Your Life with Herbs course with 6 e-books
• Finalized Take the Rose - guaranteed weight loss course, and coaching clients
• In the past year I've created several hundred illustrations of herbs for my courses and books
• Completed NaNo WriMo - 50,000 plus words in a month
•  . . . .and so much more