So, the holidays are here. It’s almost Christmas and I have to say I was able to keep myself in the holiday spirit this season. I found that lighting scented candles, listening to Christmas Carols, going to Christmas parties, lunches and dinners were what got me in the spirit. I’m not a big fan of decorations. There’s a good chance that if they go up they may not come down, so I can do without them. But the other things really did the trick.
I did some painting this morning and got a commission yesterday. So life is good. I’m going to Denver for the actual holiday and it’s supposed to be -15 degrees. It’s hard to fathom right now but I imagine I’m going to be pretty uncomfortable. I’ve packed lots of sweaters and long underwear, plus a hot water bottle and extra socks. Man, I was not expecting this. Global warming is kicking our butts.
I listened to a pretty amazing podcast this morning. It was an interview and conversation of sorts about how to live for your future self. I’ve grown up listening to a lot of talk about psychology but the stuff I heard today was new. They talked about imaging who you’re living for in the future. It could be an hour in the future or twenty years. Is this upset or letdown going to matter later today? Later this year?
It reminded me of goal setting in a way. If I knew I’d be dead in six months what would I change? That’s always been a tough question for me because I don’t know that there’s anything I’d do differently. I’d get my affairs in order, but to some people that line of thinking doesn’t count. Would you make any drastic changes? Or, where do you want to be in three years? In five? Those questions are easier for me to answer.
But in the interview they were talking about feelings. What do I want to be feeling later in the day? Later in the year? When I get up in the morning my routine was specifically created because I know I’ll feel satisfied and complete by lunchtime. That’s what gets me up in the morning. But I haven’t really thought about what will make me feel those things later in the year.
I’ve got some career goals. I created a business plan for 2023 and part of that plan is raising my prices. I wasn’t sure to what price I was going to raise them but I noticed another artist on Instagram tell a prospective client that she charges $1.50 per square inch. I did the math and that’s a little bit more than what I’m charging now. That sounds like an easy way to figure out what to charge going forward too, whether it’s $1.50 or $2.00 or more.
But I would like to feel fulfilled by the end of 2023. I’d like to feel connected, loved, and compassionate. I’d like to feel humble and satisfied. I’d like to feel blessed, grateful, and appreciative. What are the choices I can make today that will lead to that future? That’s what I’m contemplating at the end of 2022.