Word for 2017 – Focus

While I don’t believe we really get a chance to start over, New Year’s Day (and Eve) is a natural time to take stock of where we’ve been, what we’ve done and what we’d like to do differently in the New Year.

I read less last year than I usually do – I finished books totaling less than 8,000 pages (compared to more than 12,000 pages the previous year). I think part of that is my new shorter commute time – a lot of my reading happened on my way to work. Still, I’d like to read more in 2017 (I almost said “the coming year,” but it’s here now).

I didn’t hit my original goal of running 750 miles, but I did get to 650 miles again. And I’ve resumed running every day again, after some health roadblocks mid-year. I’d like to shoot for 800 miles this year, but I realized that I never have hit 750 miles in a year (I thought I had). I would also like to get faster this year (though I’ve been running more than a decade and have been pretty consistent in my speed – slow!).  

I also want to increase my focus in all areas – on my finances, health, relationships. I want to be more aware, more mindful of what I’m doing and why I’m doing it.

I want to make more art so I can get better at it. And I want to finish the afghan I started for Katie in 2015, maybe even finish the sunflower quilt I started so many years ago.

What do you want to do differently in 2017? 

One response to “Word for 2017 – Focus”

  1. Myles Butler Avatar

    Those are some great resolutions. I right there with you on wanting to bring more focus into my life. Being more mindful in general is going to my main priority in 2017

Leave a comment

I’m Lisa Bell

It’s me. I’m the writer on this wall. I’ve been having my way with words since 1993.

I started writing professionally while I was still a college student. I’m a wife, mother, foodie, artist, news junkie and recovering journalist.

I’ve worked in higher education communications since 2016 at my alma mater, Fresno State. My professional writing work can be found at Fresno State News.

Before, I was a print journalist with The Fresno Bee for almost 19 years. When that part of my professional career ended, I pivoted to a different direction.

I’m active with my church, Community United Church of Christ, an inclusive and progressive Christian church in Fresno, California.


My socials: