So, here it is, another New Year's Eve. Another year gone by and new resolutions to make. This time of year can either be full of joy and happiness or angst and sadness. But, it is about what you choose. I choose the first....
Oh, I could be sad. 14 years since I spent a New Year's Eve with a man I loved can make you wonder what you are doing wrong. But I choose to focus on what I am doing right. I am loved by people who I love back. I make a difference in people's lives, and I have faith that God is watching out for me (I forget that one sometimes, but I know He is).
The introvert in me so badly wants to stay home in my pajamas and watch television or some sappy movie. But I have wonderful friends who will probably convince me to go out and have a drink or two and watch everyone get their New Year's kisses while I nurse a warm glass of champagne. But I will laugh with them, and at them in many cases, and have fun despite my introverted self. And I will be thankful they didn't let me sit in my apartment and feel sorry for myself as I eat an entire bowl of popcorn and watch sappy romance movies.
So, resolutions.....UUHHGGGGGGGGG. Yeah, we all have good intentions but they always seem to fly by the wayside and we slip back into the old habits. How do we learn to really keep our resolutions? I think for me, it is about having a goal I really want. When we make resolutions to like, go to the gym more often or lose 30 lbs. or stop smoking, we are making a resolution to do something we are probably not really ready to do. Or we didn't plan them out well enough so we don't really have the tools to make them stick. So, I am focusing on goals that I can do, and that are going to make me a better person.
Resolutions are a lot like practicing for Lent. Lent starts in March and we "give up" something similar to making a resolution at New Year's. If you can do something for 40 days, or not do something, then the chances of it sticking and becoming a habit increase considerably. But again, people try to give up the wrong stuff, usually something they know they are going to go back to after Lent. I gave up something very successfully one year for Lent, sex. I haven't had any for years since. LOL
So, my best bets for New Year's resolutions or Lent.....things that you can do that will not require a change in your daily schedule, your finances, or your work. Here is my list of the top ten things choose from that I think are awesome resolutions:
1. Negative thinking
2. Complaining
3. Berating or talking bad about your self
4. Not accepting compliments instead of just saying thank you
5. Smiling at at least one person a day you don't know
6. Saying please and thank you every time someone does something for you or you ask someone to do something
7. Learn a new word every day and use it
8. Add $10 or however much you can afford to your savings allotment each payday
9. Make your bed every morning (makes going to be so much nicer)
10. Replace 1 shower a week with a bath
Comment with what your resolutions are, or ideas for others. Ahhh, that can be #11, help someone else figure out a resolution and help them stick to it!
Happy New Year's everyone!!
Oh, I could be sad. 14 years since I spent a New Year's Eve with a man I loved can make you wonder what you are doing wrong. But I choose to focus on what I am doing right. I am loved by people who I love back. I make a difference in people's lives, and I have faith that God is watching out for me (I forget that one sometimes, but I know He is).
The introvert in me so badly wants to stay home in my pajamas and watch television or some sappy movie. But I have wonderful friends who will probably convince me to go out and have a drink or two and watch everyone get their New Year's kisses while I nurse a warm glass of champagne. But I will laugh with them, and at them in many cases, and have fun despite my introverted self. And I will be thankful they didn't let me sit in my apartment and feel sorry for myself as I eat an entire bowl of popcorn and watch sappy romance movies.
So, resolutions.....UUHHGGGGGGGGG. Yeah, we all have good intentions but they always seem to fly by the wayside and we slip back into the old habits. How do we learn to really keep our resolutions? I think for me, it is about having a goal I really want. When we make resolutions to like, go to the gym more often or lose 30 lbs. or stop smoking, we are making a resolution to do something we are probably not really ready to do. Or we didn't plan them out well enough so we don't really have the tools to make them stick. So, I am focusing on goals that I can do, and that are going to make me a better person.
Resolutions are a lot like practicing for Lent. Lent starts in March and we "give up" something similar to making a resolution at New Year's. If you can do something for 40 days, or not do something, then the chances of it sticking and becoming a habit increase considerably. But again, people try to give up the wrong stuff, usually something they know they are going to go back to after Lent. I gave up something very successfully one year for Lent, sex. I haven't had any for years since. LOL
So, my best bets for New Year's resolutions or Lent.....things that you can do that will not require a change in your daily schedule, your finances, or your work. Here is my list of the top ten things choose from that I think are awesome resolutions:
1. Negative thinking
2. Complaining
3. Berating or talking bad about your self
4. Not accepting compliments instead of just saying thank you
5. Smiling at at least one person a day you don't know
6. Saying please and thank you every time someone does something for you or you ask someone to do something
7. Learn a new word every day and use it
8. Add $10 or however much you can afford to your savings allotment each payday
9. Make your bed every morning (makes going to be so much nicer)
10. Replace 1 shower a week with a bath
Comment with what your resolutions are, or ideas for others. Ahhh, that can be #11, help someone else figure out a resolution and help them stick to it!
Happy New Year's everyone!!