Happy New Year’s Eve!
We’re in Maine enjoying being near family and the ocean. We’ve been sledding, making snow dragons (my parents gave Andrew THE cutest sand/snow kit from LL Bean) and enjoying a week away from the normal routines.
I love New Year’s because a) champagne and b) New Year’s Resolutions.
I. Love. Resolutions.
My heart sings when I think about finding a goal for improving life somehow. Big or little. I love the communal tradition of believing things can be a bit better and the New Year is a great time to start.
It doesn’t mean you’re not happy with yourself or your life; I’ve read anti-resolution rhetoric about accepting who you are, and YES accept and love yourself. But also accept that you have the power to make something in your life better. To embrace one of your personal strengths or passions and find a way for that part of yourself to shine through.
What will I do this year?
Make more of my own non-toxic house cleaners? Try 10 different homemade granola recipes? Try every class at my gym at least once?
Maybe a relationship goal, like having coffee with a friend at least once a month, or hosting a game night at least four times in 2017.
The trick to enjoying resolutions is finding ideas that make you excited and happy, and then setting reasonable goals.
I love New Year’s Resolutions so much because I use them as a springboard to do something I really want to do anyway, I just haven’t gotten to yet. I’ve never chosen something I didn’t really want to do. Those are the resolutions where the backlash against resolutions makes sense.
But what if I need to do something I don’t want to do, to protect my health?
Ok. Maybe there’s a place for the New Year to help you turn a new leaf. But consider how to make them as positive as possible. Instead of saying you’re going to give up doughnuts for breakfast, have a goal of trying one new breakfast smoothie recipe a week, or find a whole-grain muffin recipe you absolutely love.
Me in 2017
I want to continue to work on my swimming and have a great Tri for a Cure in July. I want to do more vegan volunteer work. I’d like to plan more meals (using lighter.world!) and read out loud more to my kids in the afternoon, not just at bedtime. I want to host a local Cowspiracy screening, and write more regularly for Sustainable Wellesley.
I guess I want 2017 to be more of the same, just better! I’ve found my path, and I love it. Finding micro-goals within my themes will be fun, and I plan to mull them over with champagne tonight and get excited for the New Year 🙂
Wishing you a wonderful 2017!