Hello, November.

 November 2011 Desktop Calendar via Sawdust & Cream

 
- Commitment. I recently looked back over the intentions that I set on my 28th birthday in January, and I felt a little deflated that so many have gone by the wayside (although some of that is due to evolving goals and interests). Instead of getting too down about it, I'm trying to focus on what I *can* do during the last 2 months of the year. There's an easy one right at the top of that list, however trivial it may be-- quit Facebook for a month, and then assess whether it needs to be a part of my life at all. No deep explanation here; I have just stopped enjoying Facebook post-college and I don't find my time on there to be valuable. (I'm sure I can do a whole blog post about it when I'm done, so I'll save my thoughts for then). Then, part two of this commitment theme is the 30-day Living Social pass I bought for a local yoga studio. It seems fitting that as I give up something I consider to be a time waster, I also introduce a 30-day practice that has the potential to make many positive contributions to my life and well-being.

- Planning to get down to business. As I mentioned in my Handmade Holidays introduction, I'm someone that can plan and write to-do lists out the wazoo, but often fall short on the follow-through. This month, I am focusing on finding a balance between planning and action. My idea (and public proclamation) to feature my own DIY projects next week are keeping me busy in the craft studio-- I can't let my readers down! ;) For my yoga practice, I'm scheduling in yoga classes on my calendar and considering them appointments rather than options. Aside from that, I want to make a point to get back on the meal planning train again. I've fallen out of the habit over the past 6 months or so, and I want to reclaim a bit of the sanity and balanced nutrition that comes from taking the time to pre-determine my dinners and weekly grocery list.

- Enjoying the pre-holiday, not-yet-crazy time of year.  The month of November is like the calm before the storm. This is especially the case for two children of divorce who have four sets of parents and two sets of grandparents to make time for in the weeks between Thanksgiving to Christmas. I can't think about it too much or I'll start to hyperventilate or break out in hives. Until the busy-ness becomes unavoidable, I'm going to be sure to enjoy the simple joys and quiet of the next few weeks. Evenings spent crafting to the She & Him Christmas album and my backlog of This American Life podcasts. Grabbing some soul-warming Indian food with my husband on a blustery grey night. Sipping mulled cider or wine while watching Dexter. Hopefully, soaking up feelings of calm this month will keep me mellow long into December!

What are you focusing on this November?