I love New Year’s resolutions. Not because I promise to live a chaste life without sweets or alcohol and that I will live at the gym for the next 12 months (it’s silly and unrealistic folks, don’t set yourself up for disappointment). Instead it offers the prime opportunity to reflect on who you are, how you feel and open the space for ideas to improve and find the course of your life journey.
Typically I write a long list of resolutions. Too long. Not quite 2,007, but a fair number. I also tend to write very specific resolutions so I can check them off my eternal list, like “clean out garage”, or “read one book a month.” (Ironically, I lacked success in both of these last year, but I digress). This year the list is going to be short and broad, but important. So here it is (in a public space where all can hold me accountable):
1. Stop worrying.
Yeah, I know, how could anyone stop worrying? But that’s not what I mean. It is perfectly natural to think, have concerns, and plan. But what I want to nip is laying in bed worrying about taxes, lawyers, cancer and all the other tragedies that “could” happen. F-E-A-R, False Experience Appearing Real.
2. Eat more whole foods.
No, not the grocery chain. What I mean is less premaid, boxed, packaged microwave meals. This is both for my health (have you looked at the sodium content of canned soup?), relaxation (one must slow down to think about a recipe, buy the ingredients and prepare a meal) and my cooking repertoire (always in need of further development).
3. No more rushing.
Can I tell you how sick I am of rushing? It is such a rarity to have time to simply be present in one activity without thinking of the next thing to come promptly after. When I’m at the gym I have to watch the clock to make sure I leave enough time for my shower, when I wash the dishes after dinner I have to quickly go to my office to check email and work on other projects. Of course, I need to be timely, but the point is to plan space between things, not stiffen myself as I attempt to grab four bags when I jump out of the car, and to “be here now” and nowhere else.
So there it is. Nothing I can check off the list. Instead I can check-in with myself to see how it’s going. Am I on the path? How do I feel? I think we’re off to a good start, homemade bean & sausage soup last night and pasta Bolognese tomorrow. Better not rush it though.
What are your 2007 wishes?
Pajamas and projects. That’s what I long for this time of year. When school was out for at least two weeks, the weather was bitter and the time at home aplenty. It was when I would stay in my bed attire until late in the day, do 5000 piece puzzles with my big sister and create fun craft projects with the seemingly endless time. This photo aptly illustrates one of those holidays. I think I was about 12 when I repurposed this cold metal chicken feeder into a “work of art” with paint pens and filled it with chocolate M&Ms.