A Word For 2011

I don't care much for resolutions.  One year I tried to do a theme but that didn't work out too well. Last year I wanted to do a word but what with spending New Years' Eve helping a woman give birth, I never got around to it (although being a doula was a big part of 2010 for me).

So I'm going to try and do a word for 2011.  The word that came to me today is Space.  I am incredibly happy in my new space and can't quite believe it took me 4 1/2 years to make it happen. My new space has a lot more space and there is plenty of space to put all of my stuff.  With space I can be organized; with space I can breathe.  I remember the last time I felt this strongly about having space was went I finally moved out of my home with my ex.  The new house is also a lot more attractive than where we just left.  Living in a house that you despise, even if the location is perfect, takes its toll. I want to take some time and enjoy this space and make it my own.

I also have really enjoyed my new office this past year.   The new office also provided more than double the physical space of my old office, which increased both my organization and productivity immensely.  Mentally it is also a respite.  It's location, in a separate building from the rest of my department, provides space from a lot of office politics and academic drama.  In this new space I feel like I can build new research with colleagues and nurture my students more effectively.

Last semester was the roughest one for me yet.  By necessity I had to say "no" to any new request and (almost) any new opportunity.  Even with a strict "no" policy, I felt I spent the majority of the semester working on other people's agendas.  I need to continue fending off all requests and (most) opportunities and protect the space on my agenda.  More importantly the space on my agenda needs to grow to include nonwork (and doula) related activities.  I have really enjoyed exploring photography and hope to do more of that in 2011 but I'd also like to get back to creative writing.  I need to create the mental space to do that.

Lastly I want to spend more time in outdoor spaces this year.  b and I have done a wonderful job of making our gym a regular space but I feel like I spent most of the year indoors.  b will be heading to Alaska this summer and I am not sure if I'll be able to meet him there as we originally planned.  Instead of focusing on a big trip, I'd like to incorporate regular outdoor time for myself in the same way I've incorporated gym time.