The New Year is just literally minutes away. I’m sure this is a time when everyone sits around and reflects on the year they just had — reliving the good times and the bad times. My thoughts have been ever increasingly focused on the future — what does it hold for me and my family… how can I make this the year that is different. The last several New Year’s have been rung in very unceremoniously — life seemed to have other ideas of what should be important and what should be put off until later. I suppose this year is fairly unceremonious as well (given the fact that I am sitting in a hotel room as my family sleeps while I watch the ball drop on Times Square), except that I am in Disney World and my outlook has already began to change.
When I was growing up, watching Dick Clark on New Years’s was the next best thing to actually going out to celebrate. Actually, there were times when I thought it must have been better. Although I loved to watch all the people gathered there, the thought of being among them was never given much credence. Too many people, too cold, too much hassle to get there — way too many too’s.
I think that what makes New Year’s so appealing to everyone is the carte blanche effect. You know, it’s like the worlds biggest do-over. And, on top of the do-over, you get to create new expectations for yourself — the resolution. You know me and my need to google things. I thought I better google New Years Resolution and see what came up.
Here’s what it said: A New Year’s resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Years Day.
Making resolutions seems to be the light-hearted part of the whole New Years experience — really, who ever keeps them? I can’t remember ever committing to a resolution I made on New Years — until now. I actually started putting my resolutions into effect about a month ago (I wanted to get the jump on everyone else). So, I’ll share some of mine… out loud. The out loud part is significant isn’t it? Let’s people know you are serious.
- Get Healthy
- Leap
- Read more fun things — for me
- Re-kindle a passion for an activity I used to love — tennis, guitar, piano
- Laugh more with my girls from work (although that may be seriously impossible, we laugh all the time as it is)
- Wash my car once a week (I love it when the tires are so clean they look wet)
- Yoga everyday
- Breathe
Ok, so I came up with eight that I’ll share. That seems to be a good start. Now, it’s your turn — any resolutions you’re willing to share, out loud?
Happy New Year!
You have almost convinced me to create a list of resolutions as spirited and genuine as yours. If you read my latest post http://marshaeps.wordpress.com/2010/01/01/10-ways-in-which-revelations-trump-resolutions-for-2010/ on Why Revelations Trump Resolutions you will understand why I am no longer posting resolutions.
I love your posts and your unique and compassionate voice.
PS. I do believe that your are damn serious about the implementation of your resolutions ans wish you good luck and a happy,healthy and joyful New Year.
Yours in friendship,
Marsha
You gave me the best New Years wish ever yesterday! I am going to read your post right now — the post with you and your dad riding in the car from school, I really thought I was in the back seat witnessing it for myself. Going now!
Well said, Becky. Best wishes to you and your for a very Happy New Year. Good luck with your resolutions. I’m jealous of your work environment…laughing all the time with the girls…nothing better!
laurtte
Thanks Laurette! I love my work buddies!
Well, your beautifully written post made me think. Especially your “out loud list”. I guess that makes you more accountable to yourself, as it is pretty tough to keep those New Year’s resolutions up for more than a couple days… But what I loved the most, was your number 8: breathe. I will make that my number 1!! As that single word has so much meaning.
Happy New Year!
Yes Pati — I thought #8 was really the most important. I guess I didn’t really list these in order of importance — but definitely out loud! Thank you for taking me on vacation with you!
Happy, happy New Year, sweetie! I love your list, and I hope you know that you are inspiring others to get healthy, too A) because who doesn’t want to be healthy? and B) #NYTwitter2010! I cannot believe it is the year 2010 – where’s my jetpack for God’s sake? And my Rosie the housekeeper-robot? Just keep breathing, Becky, and know that this is going to be a GOOD year! Love & hugs!
NYTwitter2010 is the inspiration for a lot of stuff isn’t it. Oh, and don’t worry about the jet pack — I’ll bring you an extra one.
I love your list (and yes, I think saying them aloud is huge)! Maybe I’ll just have two (because I love Marsha’s revelation idea)…
1. Leap
2. Be open
Oh, and hang out with Becky all the time in 2010. 😉
That’s awesomeness to the most awesomeness!
We’re leaping together don’t forget.
And saying your hanging out with me is making me all mushy and stuff.
Great list! I resolve to have more fun this year!
Having more fun is always a good plan! Thanks for reading and sharing!