17 Comments
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Sue Ferrera's avatar

I like the idea of setting intentions rather than resolutions. An intention seems kinder, softer... a hope, a desire, a longing. My intention for next year is to spend more time in pursuit of my favorite things, writing, swimming, hiking, spending time in the garden or at the fire pit, cooking. 💜

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

lovely intentions! may they all be part of your best year!

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Thanks, Joyce!

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Tara Penry's avatar

I think I’ve been avoiding how few weeks there are left in 2023, but your list leaves no doubt! I like to set New Year intentions. Some graduate to goals, but I try not to push them.

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

Life changes, often rapidly; my mind changes, often momentarily. I like the flexibility of intentions which grow or fade with new information, new interests, new whims.

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Kimberly Warner's avatar

Oh my, what an incredible honor to be included in your year-end appreciations. Thank you dear one. It’s so moving to hear when my work finds its way into someone’s ever-evolving thought process and becoming. When your Unfixed post comes out, I’ll likely be elbow deep in my annual end-of-year kiwi jam making. I’ll be harvesting the fuzzy gems tomorrow where they need a good 4 weeks to soften. Their verdant green centers are always a welcome reminder of a season of new growth and sweetness ahead.

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Tara Penry's avatar

Yum! :-)

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

Kiwi jam making ... what a delightful sounding project. Feel free to share pics since you can't give us a taste test.

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Kimberly Warner's avatar

Will do! Four grocery bags full now ripening in the garage. Crossing fingers they'll be ready by the end of the year. And if you want a real taste, I'd be happy to ship you a jar!

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

what a generouos offer ... but it could be a very costly gift. In the future when the internet is capable of delivering more than words ... what a day that will be.

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Kimberly Warner's avatar

I fantasize about the day that my iPhone can send scents. :)

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

just thinking about what it would take to get there boggles my mind.

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Pamela Leavey's avatar

I am not much for New Years goals. Perhaps some intentions, I am more of a let's just roll with the Universe hands me sort of gal!

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Georgia Patrick's avatar

Russell Smith is a great writer, gifted professional and communicator. If you never wrote a manifesto, then start with Russell, who has a fabulous collection of manifesto examples. He's rapidly becoming my Substack hero because he understands relationships and how to restack, support and connect. I write manifestos and help other professionals do the same. It's just about impossible to do on your own because you have to get above the tactical and above the strategic--into the visionary level, but write in terms that the tactical will understand. Thus, writing buddy helps.

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Andrew Smith's avatar

I will definitely start setting my goals for next year pretty soon. I really like to think long term, so I start with where I want to be ten years from now, and i work backwards into attainable bites.

This is pretty OCD and I don't think I want to change it any time soon, but it has proven effective for me over the years.

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Joyce Wycoff's avatar

I love this time of the year and planning and dreaming about future possibilities. Your process sounds great.

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