Oh, New Year’s Resolutions, how I love you! Let me count the ways! Maybe prior to counting, a more realistic assessment of my affection for you is necessary. I love the thought of an entire new year ahead, and the thrill of speculating about what might unfold during those 12 months. The possibilities seem endless and exciting. But given my oft-repeated resolutions and lack of success at making them a reality, the effort to make dreams come true sounds daunting.
It’s exciting to consider how my health and appearance will improve if I lose those unnecessary pounds. While going to the gym does not guarantee success, once I walk out the door either for a walk or a workout at the gym, I instantly feel better. The return home after vigorously exercising increases my serotonin and I feel virtuous.
So why haven’t I achieved success? Not exactly certain, but giving up is not an option. Once again weight loss and exercise are headliners on my list, but I’m hoping 2015 also brings success in other areas.
Let’s add timeliness to the list of adjustments I need to make. My husband is a genuinely good man, although I know my tendency to procrastinate, which then negatively affects my good intentions to be on time, frustrates him. I’m never purposely late, but I need to begin commitments earlier and allow extra minutes to compensate for any delay or interruption. A recent conversation with a good friend enlightened me about what others consider on time. She likes to arrive 30 minutes early for everything. Biologically I’m not genetically inclined to be 30 minutes early no matter the event. A happy medium exists somewhere in between the extremes.
Horizontal surfaces are another area of contention in my marriage. (We rarely argue about the big issues.) Somehow my possessions, valuable and not, seem to gravitate towards the empty flat surfaces in my house. My husband prefers to see the top of the table or floor or counters. A reasonable request in the grand scheme of things, I must admit. It will be a welcome change for both of us if I conquer my tendency to do creative groupings on those flat surfaces.
Facebook is overflowing with sayings and verses about happy and productive living. But just like reading a book on good health doesn’t make one healthy, neither does just reading these inspiring messages result in good choices. May the following lines of wisdom inspire us all, as we resolve to live wisely and joyfully in 2015.
“Don’t put things off too long! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today…. You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life…live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember.” Author unknown.
“Do something each day to bring you joy.” Anonymous.
“Tomorrow (January 1st) is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” Brad Paisley
“Risk-taking, trust, and serendipity are key ingredients of joy. Without risk, nothing new ever happens. Without trust, fear creeps in. Without serendipity, there are no surprises.” Rita Golden Gelman
And, perhaps, one written especially for me: “A home is a place to do things, not store things.” Author unknown, but very wise.