The Week of Reflection 2024

It's time once again for my annual ritual: The Week of Reflection! Every year during the week between Christmas & New Year's, when I don't have classes, no one is waiting for ware, and most of the holiday fuss has died down, I take advantage of my down time to review the year, think about what worked & what didn't, what challenges might arise, and make a plan for the new year. 

A key element is the X for X list; this year, it's 25 for 2025, a list of habits, goals, or changes for the upcoming year. That list will be its own post! 

So, without further ado, let the Week of Reflection commence.

I keep these reflections mostly to personal & professional thoughts. (I have lots of thoughts about the wider world! I use different platforms for those.) The bumps in my road are pretty much like most people's: I wish I had more time. I wish I had more money. I want to maintain my physical health as much as possible. I want my friendship & familial relationships to thrive. 

The past year (two years, really) have seen my business do pretty well! "Pretty well," for me, would probably be "barely surviving" for most Americans, but I'm practiced at the art of frugality & actually need very little to be happy & comfortable. Like nearly everyone, my life would be a little easier with a little more money, specifically to put into savings. I don't know about you, but I am not getting any younger, and while I will make pottery for as long as I am physically able, one day I will need to retire. Becoming better prepared for that day is at the heart of my financial goals for next year. 

The other three - time, health, relationships - are sort of all the same challenge: using my time efficiently enough to give each of those the attention they deserve. Some the goals on my list will be things I want to happen to achieve this; some will be habits I want to form or continue to use my time better. If I see an affordable device that can help, that might be on the list too! I'm a big fan of automation for tedious tasks, and have employed a small robot army for a few years now. Two vacuums, a mop, a cat feeder, and several more conventional robots like the dishwasher & washing machine have freed up time for me. If you know of other household robots, I'd love to hear about them! (Except litterboxes - I keep a close eye on automated litterboxes & so far they are all pretty terrible.)  

Although if I'm honest, it's as much a discipline challenge as a time problem. I put it down to ADHD, but sometimes it's hard for me to start a task even if it's something I know I want to do! Even if it's something I enjoy! Building habits, enlisting buddies, & building in dopamine rewards have all been useful strategies to get around this, and those strategies need to be refreshed. 

Here's wishing for a successful 2025 for all of us! More time, more health, more love & laughs & connection. Thank you for being here & following my journey.