Christine Kane is a musician and sort of a self help expert. I’ve been reading her blog for a long time, but was particularly intrigued with her Resolution Revolution: A Better Way to Start Your Year. So, I’ve decided to participate.
I’ve never been great at resolutions – they are easy to make and dismiss. But this year I like this idea. Since I’ve been journaling, I figure recording my progress on my “word” will be part of that process. It all fits together (I love it when that happens!).
So, here’s my word: Discipline
1. training to act in accordance with rules; drill: military discipline.
2. activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training: A daily stint at the typewriter is excellent discipline for a writer.
3. punishment inflicted by way of correction and training.
4.the rigor or training effect of experience, adversity, etc.: the harsh discipline of poverty.
5. behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained
by training and control: good discipline in an army.
6. a set or system of rules and regulations.
7. Ecclesiastical. the system of government regulating the practice of a church as distinguished from its doctrine.
8. an instrument of punishment, esp. a whip or scourge, used in the practice of self-mortification or as an instrument of chastisement in certain religious communities.
9. a branch of instruction or learning: the disciplines of history and economics. –verb(used with object)
10. to train by instruction and exercise; drill.
11. to bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control.
12. to punish or penalize in order to train and control; correct; chastise.
I think the definition is as interesting as my choice. Especially for me. Since I decided, years ago, to stay home with the kids, I have lacked this….ok, wait. I’ve never really had a lot of discipline, but now I really see it in my kids begging to do their homework and me saying “oh, not now dear”. Or I sit evenings and wish I could do nothing…only to sit there and do nothing while agonizing over the things I want to do. So, I’m going to develop this quality. I’m going to schedule relaxing time as well as productive time and not feel guilty about it. I’m not going to apologize for scheduling my life…I’m going to do it and enjoy it. However, I’m also going to have the discipline to follow through with things rather than sitting around and avoiding them.
I’m not sure about the punishment part of the definition, but I might even give that a try. See if I can take something away from myself if I have a bad week or something. Hmmm….have to think on that.
Anyway, I love how this word becomes a touchstone for the year ahead. I’m looking forward to it and I’m sure I’ll blog along the way.
Now, as part of my new resolution, I got almost totally done with the two blocks I’m working on for Leslie’s big project:
I’m really thrilled with the progress and they should be completely done today. Her project is a wonderful one and I’m really excited to be participating. Plus, it’s given me the push to finish some of my other projects…it’s amazing what I can accomplish with an entire day in my studio!
