Right before the new year every year, I write out a goal list for the upcoming year. It's not a strict list or a long roster of resolutions—it's more like a support pole that you place with a tall-growing plant. I revisit that goal list close to mid-summer to see if any of those goals were met or had become any closer. It's a fun activity: I get to see how obnoxiously audacious I was. I must've been passionately turnt on Christmas wine at the time, but nevertheless, I was still taken aback by how many goals on my list simply didn't resonate with me at all anymore. Some items I'd forgotten completely were ever aspirations. But looking closer, I noticed that I've accomplished a lot without realizing it.
Part of that revisiting in the summer is actually revising the list, too. I've discovered new aspirations, goals, and practices since December. I've let some die (with grace, of course), and others are sitting on the backburner left to simmer until the sauce comes together. This practice serves as a reminder to me that I am blossoming, even when I don't realize it. I want to be more mindful, acknowledging, and nurturing of that blossoming going forward. And yes, that mindfulness itself is going on the mid-summer revision list.
I think you can see others doing that, too. Wildflower Composers is setting the groundwork for marginalized composers, and this week's roundup features a variety of artists, performers, and creators who are doing their own form of blossoming, too.
How have you blossomed this year? Have you noticed how yet? Maybe it's time to check in with yourself!
