I still seek the image for my 2008 Goal #2. I initially had in mind a long family-style table. Old-fashioned provencal French style with rough wood top and wrought iron or rustic legs. The kind you would find under a tree in the summer while the host walks around pouring wine to a dozen guests, who are all of course smiling and eating wonderful food. Then while I was in Zermatt, I realized there might be other style tables that fit perfectly and equally that it might be good to have a range of them in my life. Like the long table here where people sit out in the cold drinking coffee or beer, self-served, not much gourmet to eat - likely a bratwurst with onion sauce and roesti - but equally fulfilling together. 
I'm still exploring and collecting the table images.
Meanwhile, here's the point of the goal: I want to invest more in the family and friends connections around me. To be more conscious of the big picture of how I use my time supports my whole life. I decided to try settling in Zurich exactly for the purpose of surrounding myself with a strong social and emotional structure. Here I have already started to build important and authentic relationships. The kind that get stronger with time, history and experience. When people ask my why I chose Zurich, I have always honestly said, the reasons are primarily emotional.
I now want to take the next step in that structure. Find a home that feels more open to people coming and going, yet gives me my private space when needed. Find and/or organize activities that also involve friends and family. (The last few years, I was still quite focused on making the transition to Zurich and getting my own business organized.)
By my age, many people have a family structure around them and are quite busy with children's activities. Without that structure, I need to build my own "family style."
In business, I often think of ideas for groups and create environments that encourage good discussion while being yourself. I want to apply more of that to my personal time. My first step is that I accept more such invitations when they arise (I had a tendency to be "busy" in my own space sometimes). My next step is to create that environment in my own home and life, which will mean diverting a little more time and energy in that direction.
Comments