Six Word Memoirs

Getting out of the car the other day, I heard a snippet of an NPR story about six word memoirs.  Smith Magazine had run a story about them, and NPR was spreading the word.  What was funny was that I was on my way into my therapy appointment!  I'm always thinking of some new thing to share at therapy.  It got me thinking about how mantras, mottos and sayings can really help us.  I like the idea of using the six word memoir as a goal setting formula.  Much like those goal setting coaches that advocate writing your own obituary as a means for figuring out what you want to be remembered for, the six word memoir can be used in the same way.

But where do you start?  This is the guide I made up to write a six word memoir based on your goals.  It's only 3 questions.

What is your life experience?
What words would you use to describe yourself, or who would you like to be?   
What would you like to be remembered for?

1. What is your life experience?

• Traveler
• Writer
• Photographer
• Nurturer

2. What words would you use to describe yourself, or who would you like to be? 

• Creative
• Dreamer
• Loving
• Adventurous

3. What would you like to be remembered for?

• Service
• Contribution
• Changing Someone's Life

Here are few of mine.  It's a work in progress that will change as I change.  But, I hope you have fun with this exercise!

• Creative Dreamer Set the World Afire
• A Life Changed, Many More Next
• Adventurer Found Hope, Love Was Gold

I'd love to hear your six word memoirs.  Drop me a comment with yours!

One more thing:

This photo is hanging out on my desktop, and makes me laugh everytime I see it.

→ 29.media.tumblr.com.

Goal Tending

Imagine this said as in the "GOOOOOOOOOOAL" at Soccer Tournaments! 
Really loud and long!

It's that time of year isn't it?  Everyone has posts about their New Year's resolutions, their word for the year, their goals.  I've been skimming all of the goal posts with impunity because I've been hiding from setting my own.  But it's time, Jeanne.  Time to set some plans in place to succeed this year!

Here's what I'm hoping to accomplish in 2011:

1. Lose 25 lbs. by December 31, 2011 (sooner would be great, but this is a doable long-term goal!) through exercise and eating better!
2. Find employment so I won't be homeless!
3. Host a party at my apartment this year. (You're all invited!)
4. Sell Mom's house in 2011.
5. Have at least 2 fun weekends away this year.  (Any ideas for me?)
 
This week:
1. Get rid of the junk food in the house!
2. Follow up on my job prospects
3. Goodwill trip for extra clothes, etc.
4. Pull together Mom's Account Info
5. Walk 3 days this week

I'm off to a good start.  

Today was my first day of The Fresh Diet program.  I bought myself a month on their big special to get back on track after losing my Mom and the holidays. I decided I needed someone to help me with portion control and convenient healthy meals for a while. It's based on the Zone diet, and delivers me 3 meals and 2 snacks daily.  I found my cooler bag just outside my door this morning and it had oatmeal, asian slaw, a steak & cheese wrap, turkey meatballs with marinara and chocolate chip cheesecake in it!  Not a bad way to start the day!  I really enjoyed the Steak & Cheese wrap for lunch today. 

I've realized a very important thing though.  I don't think I like oatmeal unless it has lots of cinnamon and sugar in it, like my Mom used to make us when I was little.  Today's oatmeal was Apricot & Almond, and while the flavor was good, I think the texture of oatmeal is off-putting to me right now.  So, guess what I did?  I created a Green Monster out of it!  Don't get grossed out, but it's the only way I could get it down!  I just added the oatmeal to a cup of frozen spinach, 8 oz of water and a bunch of 5 spice.  

How about you?  How is your week?  Did you make your goals yet?  No pressure, but leave a comment with one below if you want some accountability!  Or, just say hello!

Goals are funny things...

I am the only one who truly knows my goals and how many there are

but somehow I am more worried about letting down friends and family than myself.

So, instead I am going to tell you.

• I will run/walk a 10K in 2010.
• I will take 7 photographs a week.
  
• I will finish at least 6 courses towards my Masters in Early Childhood Education in 2010.
• I will eat 5 small, healthy meals a day, with one day off each week in 2010.
• I will drink at least 6 glasses of H20 each day.

There are more things running through my head, but I know I am getting dangerously close to stagnation due to overwhelm.

Now that they are written down I can start mapping out the hows of each of them.  I am actually looking forward to it!

Want to share your goals here?  No pressure, no judgment allowed!  It feels good to get them out into the Universe, and I would love to give you a chance for that as well.