Fourteen in 2014

Kim Klassen has started up a list of fourteen in 2014 and invited her followers to participate as well. Sometimes I like these sorts of things and sometimes I don't, but one thing that I do know is if I write down some of my intentions, I often feel more motivated--or obligated--to follow through and do them, so here is my list:

1. Create more family time, including going on small day trips, having more family game nights, etc.
2. Get together with friends more often.
3. Volunteer more. Sign up to be a butterfly monitor as well as volunteer or chaperone in the schools at least one time this year.
4. Work a little harder at being inspired and motivated in my day job. Get something big(ish) done this year that makes a difference.
5. Read more. I make a lot of excuses that I do not have time to read these day. Stop making excuses.
6. Display photography publicly. Stop being a chicken about this.
7. Explore more--especially spots I think are familiar. Find what else there is to find.
8. Find a photography project or collaboration and participate fully. (This one is a stretch so it is okay if I don't find anything to do right away).
9. Get more organized--just slightly.
10. Stop sweating the small stuff.
11. Finish some online classes that I started (at the very least, look at all the material and take in what is interesting and useful for me).
12. Go on at least one trip without my family (this will be a yearly goal because it is very refreshing and important).
13.  Submit photography (and writing) to publications (either online or print) . . . just see what happens. It's okay if I do not get anything accepted.

For my fourteenth item, I am listing my word for 2014. I have chosen a word and used it in a halfhearted way in the past, but I have to admit that even using the word halfheartedly yielded some results, so here is my word for 2014:

    14. DARE . . . .