A Blog For Myself

As 2012 begins and the world seems to be spinning out of control, I realize how important it is for me to begin to take control of the aspects of my life that I can. Recognizing those parts will not be a simple task. Even at the age of 61 (almost 62!), I've not made much progress in identifying them. But I have become more acutely aware of how much my happiness and (to a lesser extent, of course) that of those I love depends on accepting the responsibility for that control. I intend to use this year to learn to take advantage of my passions and talents in a more positive manner.

Knowing how important accountability is to the success of any project I undertake, I've started this blog. Probably I'm the only one who will ever read it, but that's OK--it's sort of an entity unto itself, even though created by me, and I feel I will hold myself accountable to it. I have so much more to offer the world and myself than I've given it so far!

So to get started, here's a list of some of the things I intend to use this blog for. Their roles in my obtaining joy by taking charge of my life aren't immediately apparent, but I know in my gut that they all play a role. Also, I've not prioritized them according to importance, because I'm pretty sure that will change, as will the list itself. 

• How much do we really need, indeed? Our house is filled filled filled with stuff. I'm not a candidate for Hoarders yet, but I can see myself becoming one.
• My health. Two years ago I lost one of my sisters to cancer. Ellen was only 53. Last September my brother Jim had surgery to repair 5 aneurysms, and lost his lower right leg in the process. My sister Eileen had a heart valve replacement about five years ago. So what excuse do I have for weighing 199.5 pounds and "taking" virtually no regular exercise?
• Creation. I remember many years ago talking with my brother Jim about the happiness I find in drawing, writing, fixing and building. Yet I rarely do any of these things. Why I forbid myself doing things that make me happy is, I know, rooted in my religious upbringing: the old Roman Catholic rule that if you're experiencing joy, you must be doing something sinful. So why is it, even after over 40 years of atheism, I still can't feel happiness without guilt?

What am I waiting for? I think 61 years is long enough!