Autumn (1870-90) Emile Eisman Semenowsky source ArtUK

Since I normally post bookish-type posts, I thought I’d change it up today.  Inspired by one of O’s posts on Twitter, I’ve decided to post some goals with regard to autumn.  So often we get distracted by the big picture and forget to appreciate the little things in life. Therefore, I’ve picked ten goals that focus on the wee, meaningful aspects of life that really are much more worthwhile than a day at a shopping mall, or painting the porch steps, or doing your taxes, or surfing the web.  

1.  Draw a picture of something in nature, such a leaf or tree or insect.  My drawing skills are not superb so you’ll just have to put up with me for this one.

Sketch of Countryside (c. 1890) Nicholas Roerich source Wikiart

2.  Walk barefoot in the ocean.  Perhaps I’m a tiny bit crazy but I will have a chance to do this a couple of times before autumn is over.

The Charmer (1911) John William Waterhouse source Wikiart

3.  Do something kind for someone else.  I like to think I’m a kind person but I’m not always sure it comes naturally.  We all need practice, right?

Charity of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Frederic Leighton source Wikiart

4.  Put my feet up.  I’m sure NONE of you have even guessed that I’m quite a busy person and don’t often slow down.  Well, I admit it.  Leisure is a lost yet necessary pastime for our mental well-being.  Really, I need to practice this more than once.  Will someone join me?

Solitude (1890) Frederic Leighton source Wikiart

5.  Cloud gaze.  The last time I did this was with friends, laying in the middle of a frozen pond late at night.  It was so peaceful with the moon shining down ….. as if you were the only ones left in the world.  The feeling we experienced was indescribable.  Definitely a time to remember.

Ophelia (1889) John William Waterhouse source Wikiart

6.  Make a new meal.  This shouldn’t be difficult.  A friend and I have started a new food blog called Journey to the Garden, so I’m going to be spending lots of time in the kitchen.  I really love cooking yet I hope to hit on at least one meal during this time that’s spectacular.

Prayer Before Meal (1660) Jan Steen source Wikiart

7.  Be computer-less for one day.  I’m not sure this is possible, but I’m going to try. Honestly, there’s very little I do on the computer other than blogging and taking a few courses, but I am on it every day.  I would LOVE to have a day per week where I don’t use it.  Now THAT’S dreaming …..

What a Freedom (1903) Ilya Repin source Wikiart

8.  Read a poem slowly and REALLY think about it.  Poetry is a new interest of mine, but being new at reading it, I’m not very good at drawing meaning out of it.  Often good poetry can have dual meanings and symbolism, and imagery and a number of other different things.  I need to read it more slowly instead of rushing.

Young Man Reading by Candle Light Matthais Stom source Wikiart

9.  Pet or see an animal that’s not domesticated.  Well, I could cheat and visit my neighbour’s wolves but I’m not going to.  However, they would probably fall under the “domesticated” umbrella and not count.  We’ll see if this one comes to fruition.

Dante and Virgil Meet the Wild Animals in the Forest (1800) Joseph Anton Koch source Wikiart

10.  Intentionally say something nice to someone at least 5 days out of 7 during one week.  No, this is not the same as goal #3.  Saying is much easier than doing …… which is why I’ve challenged myself to do it 5 times during the week.  We take each other too much for granted and don’t often say the appreciated or kind things that we should.  Time to change that.

Charity (1878) William-Adolphe Bourguereau source Wikiart

As I’ve been listing these goals, two themes have stood out for me:  KINDNESS and REST/LEISURE ….. well, perhaps three …… NATURE is in there as well.  So just by brainstorming some goals, I’ve learnt something about myself:  I need to practice more kindness, take more time to relax and spend more time in nature.  Rather than being “Cleo-specific goals”, these are things we all probably need to do, so whoever wants to take a few goals from my list and see if you can accomplish them, please do!  And please let me know how they turned out!