My husband did the unthinkable the other day and asked if I have any resolutions for the new year. This, of course, sent me into a shame spiral of epic proportions that I'm only just now recovering from. I, like so many of us, have made so many resolutions with the best intentions. And 95% of those resolutions have come to nada, zip, zilch. Except for last year when I resolved to not make any resolutions and just live my best life. Which turned out better than expected but not great. Now I'm going to ask the thing that no one wants to really answer. Are we prepared to put the work in to follow through on our resolutions?
Well I can tell you right now that I cannot commit to any large lifestyle changes. I'd love to say starting on January 1st I shall not eat a carb, for 2016 is the year of Skinny Amber! And that resolution will last about until January 1st at 10:30am when I realize that starting off the New Year with a BLT sounds just perfect. So maybe I'll just make a mini resolution instead to remember to actually sit down and eat breakfast and drink more water.
But perhaps 2016 should be the year I turn into "Gym Rat Amber?" Maybe I'll start to lift and get super ripped and take lots of gym selfies and check in at the gym like everyday. Or I can just resolve to use my Fitbit to the fullest and get my 10.000 steps. Maybe I'll take a Zumba class too. Just for fun with friends. Fitness can be fun, or so I've heard.
One of my biggest parenting resolutions is always to be the extra organized mom. Just once I'd like to say "well my daughter manages to sneak in 1 hour of homework in-between her Creative Outdoor Wind Instrument Woodworking class and her Gluten Free Living for Kindergartners Cooking class." However, that would require me to maintain an extra organized schedule that should not include slacking off and spending the day in our pajamas occasionally. I think I'll just commit to not loosing every single assignment and library book that makes it into our home.
I also need to resolve to basically be a better person. I'd love to see my entire calendar filled with times that I'm volunteering, really giving back, giving of my time and resources to make the entire world a better place. But I also have to remember that I can give of my self by being a great friend. It costs nothing to ask someone how they are doing and to really listen. Meeting a few friends for coffee or brunch is my favorite way to recharge. Being a great friend is actually good for me too.
Speaking of being a good friend, maybe 2016 will be the year of NO Drama. I need to resolve to rid my life of every single toxic person in it. I imagine telling a few people off in an epic way and letting it stew and sink in as I make some sort of dramatic exit. Which sounds so satisfying in a daytime soap kind of way until I realize that very action would cause at least 17 times the drama I'd like to have in my life. Also? That's really mean. Instead my mini resolution will be to ignore the drama all together. Unless it's entertaining. Then I'll enjoy it wholeheartedly from a safe distance.
When we do make resolutions, we really mean well. On January 1st we'll start a new and exciting year. By January 4th the newness of 2016 will be a little less exciting and by the 15th reality will set in. A whole year to make these huge changes when really we can set our selves up to succeed by thinking a lot smaller. So how about some "mini resolutions" instead. And they don't have to start on New Year's Day. Resolve to make your life just a little better starting now. What small thing will make you genuinely happy if you did it a few more times a week or even a few more times a month? Go do it. I've got your back.
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