Feeling Resolute

What is it about the new year that pulls us inward? A chance at a fresh start, a new outlook, whatever. It's an arbitrary date. Who is stopping us from changing our outlooks on March 23 or September 12? Maybe that's why so many New Year's resolutions fail. We don't feel like we can re-examine ourselves until the next year. Anyway, here I sit thinking about the new year, the new me. What are my resolutions? I can think of so many things I'd like to accomplish this year. Where do I start?

1. I want this year to have a theme: conquer inertia. You know, that law of physics that states: an object will remain at rest until acted upon by an outside force. I think I've been controlled by inertia for too long. Except in my case, the force that will finally get me moving again will need to be an inside force, not an outside force. I could add several sub-resolutions that fall under this category: to make exercise a part of my day (Wii Fit, here I come!), to improve my time management skills both at work and at home, to finally get around to looking into taking some art classes, to tackling projects around the house.
2. Reduce clutter. I came across this quote the other day from Antoine de Saint-Exupery: "You know you've achieved perfection in design, not when you have nothing more to add, but when you have nothing more to take away." I would like to take the idea a step further. Perfection in life should come not from adding more, but in stripping it down to just what you need. No more, no less. Clutter in my life takes many forms: knick-knacks, of course, but also excess fat, too many distractions, worries, negative thoughts. I want to get organized and in control again, instead of letting the clutter control me!
3. And finally, I'm going to challenge myself to take a photo a day to document the year as it passes. I'll try to post these photos regularly, though I can't guarantee that I'll be able to do it daily. I'll try. Anyway, here is my first photo. I figured after so much introspection, it was fitting to start the year with a self-portrait.

Here's to feeling fine in 2009!