2010: The Un-New Year's Resolution

Last year I had lofty expectations for New Year’s Resolutions.  It seems that as each year passes with breakneck speed, I’m contemplating what I don’t like about myself and making a resolution to change, change, change. This year, instead of focusing on the bad that I am, I’m focusing on the good in me and improving on that.  As self-centered as it may be, I think it’s important to recognize the good in me before I can change the bad.  Who can be positive when all they think about is negative?  Not me.

Things I did right in 2009 that I will continue to improve on…

• I learned to defend myself while gaining confidence and strength through kickboxing.  Of course, the 30+ pounds I lost through kickboxing was a welcome bonus.  This year, I intend to go to more classes, spend more time training and give my all each time I’m there.
• I am most always kind to strangers.  Sometimes my friends are annoyed while in public places with me because I’m the person with the sign on my forehead that says, “Please.  Tell me your problems.  I promise to listen carefully, understand with my heart and say something to sooth your worries.  I will help you. This year, I vow to not be annoyed (not even once) when confronted with a stranger who wants to tell me about the issues they are having.  I vow to help the handicapped couple get into their van even if I’m in the middle of a conversation at lunch and walk a little old lady across the ice.
• I volunteered for things that were bigger than me.  In 2010 I vow to do more charitable work, dedicating time and energy to things that help others.  There is nothing more rewarding than doing something wonderful for someone who will never know my name.
• I cooked at least 300 home cooked dinners last year and even managed to share a few with my lovely readers in 2009, this year, I vow to share more with you.  I’ll bring you the wonderful dishes that we have on a regular basis so they can become part of your own rotation.
• I kept a personal calendar for the first time in my life with regularity.  Through the wonderful world of Mac products, The Husband and I have synced everything together and we’ve managed to miss only a few events/appointments.  In 2010, I vow to continue with the calendar, checking it before I make any engagements so I’m not overbooked.
• In August, I did something spontaneous.  I got in the car with The Brother and The Dad on a whirlwind trip to Texas to see my dad’s hometown.  The trip was planned in a matter of 2 days and I packed my stuff and went.  I’m not too rigid, but I’m fanatical about being out of town when The Husband is not home.  I had the best time, no agenda… no requirements… just go. I vow to do more of that this year.
• I let go of a few friends this year, and as it may seem to be a bad thing I did in 2009, letting go of toxic people in my life has done more for my psyche than anything else.  Not allowing myself to be hindered by drama and pettiness of people that I’ve held on to because I didn’t want to hurt them… I let go of having more concern for their feelings and cared more about how I felt because of them.
• I loved my husband with all my heart.  I vow to continue to love him with everything I’ve got in 2010 and all the years to come.
• In my moments of weakness, fright and sadness, I called out to God and asked him to walk with me.  In my moments of victory, happiness and quiet, I thanked Him for being there as well.  I vow, this year… to love our God with every breath I take.  For in Him, I can do anything.

I hope with this new year, you find time to reflect on the positive things you did in 2009.  We’re not inherently bad, we’re always our own worst critic… I vow to be my own best cheerleader this year, and I’ll be your cheerleader too if you need me.

Happy New Year!