I’m glad that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is over and life has returned to a normal pace. I have always loved the New Year – an opportunity for a fresh slate, to regroup and start over.
I like to sit down and reflect on what I have accomplished in the past year and what I hope to accomplish in the New Year. I spent a lot of time this last year getting rid of things that I just didn’t use anymore. I mean, seriously; why am I holding on to those size ten jeans thinking that, one day, they just might fit again? Who am I kidding? I threw away old papers and files I had been keeping and I took a lot of things to Goodwill, shelters and resale shops. And, it felt really good to get rid of all that stuff!
Resolution No. 1: I will not let the clutter and “stuff” accumulate in my life and I will be a little more organized. Resolution No. 2: If I haven’t worn a piece of clothing in a year, I will give it away!
I know that many people resolve to eat healthier and exercise, and it truly is one of my resolutions this year. I used to exercise at least three times a week and I used to walk outside no matter how cold it was. I lost a lot of weight and felt really, really good. Then, I got too busy to do it. I could think of every reason to not work out: it’s too cold outside, I have too much work to do, I’m too tired, or I’ll work out tomorrow. Well, tomorrow never came. Now, a few pounds heavier, I know there are no more excuses. Resolution No. 3: Make time to work out!
As I look back at the past year, there were many happy times and celebrations in my life, but there were some sad things that happened, too. I lost a few people who were very dear to my heart, including my mother, who passed away in August. It made me realize how precious the friendships and the people in my life really are. It’s so easy to be too busy to keep in touch. Resolution No 4: Make time to tell the people in my life how much I care about them.
They say that many people fail at keeping resolutions because they set the standard and expectations so high that they just give up and quit trying. So for me, my final resolution is to not to be so hard on myself. I tend to be a perfectionist and beat myself up if I don’t do everything right. Resolution No. 5: I will be kind to myself and just keep trying; it’s better than doing nothing at all.
I wish everyone a happy and kinder new year!
