One of the things I miss most about school is the fresh start each new semester would bring. A new schedule, new classes, new teachers, new notebooks, fresh paper . . . all organized and full of promise. So you can imagine the weight I put on the start of a new year.
Every year late in December I start thinking about the upcoming New Year. I intend to spend some time reflecting on the year about to pass and planning for the new. For example, I intended to take an inventory of what went well in 2010 -- my many blessings, things I accomplished -- and what I'd like to focus on in 2011.
Thus, I did *think* about these things over the last few weeks. But only in an esoteric way. That sort of way in which I say to myself "I should really think about such and so" or "Wouldn't it be neat to have a word / phrase / symbol to represent my goals and intentions for the new year?" There was no heavy mental lifting in this *thinking*, I assure you!
I also have a thing for Resolutions. I mean, if "tomorrow is a new day", then a new year must be all that and a bag of chips. Right? Like most Americans, each year I intend to lose X pounds, banish clutter from my life, cure cancer, and single-handedly mediate world peace. But I'm also a realist and I know that some extremely high percentage of Resolutions are broken within like 5 minutes. And, frankly, I don't want to burden my dreams with such an obvious death sentence as to make Resolutions around them. I need my dreams, damn it!
So what's a girl who's giddy about the promise of a fresh start yet too jaded to really buy into it to do? I don't know! But here's what I did:
I did make a resolution. I'll call it a *soft* resolution. One that has the potential to help me progress toward most any goal I may have for myself in the 364 days remaining in 2011. Are you ready for this? Drum-roll please . . . . . . .
In 2011, I resolve to do that which is good and right.
What's right for my physical health? Preparing fresh, healthy meals. Trying new fruits and vegetables. Drinking water. Taking Riley for a walk. Practicing yoga. Turning up the volume and shakin' it like a Polaroid!
What's right for my home environment? Hosting a yard sale for things I no longer use or enjoy. Donating excess items to charity. Doing *right now* those tasks that can be completed in just a short time. Hiring cleaning help!
What's right for me in general? Laughing. Loving. Enjoying quality time with my friends and family. Painting. Sewing. Crafting. Traveling. Volunteering. Helping others. Practicing gratitude. Seeking joy and being happy.
Do you see a theme here? Instead of trying to eliminate the bad, I'm adding good. And that, my friends, appears to be a win-win resolution!
Wishing each of you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2011!
