Well, folks, it’s that time of year again. The beginning of January, a beautiful time of determination and hope that this is the year that we’ll keep our resolutions. We’ll go to the gym, we’ll eat better, we’ll quit smoking or drink less. It’s going to happen for real this time.
I have never made and kept a new year’s resolution. I typically don’t put a lot of stock in them, and I don’t love to examine my life like that so thoroughly after a week of overeating and general laziness and decide what I need to change. I’m always exhausted by December (and every other month) and I don’t like the dramatic changes that often come with a resolution.
The past few months, though, one of my mindfulness practices (x) has been to set a goal – a word or short phrase – at the beginning of every week. There’s a spot in the Passion Planner, at the top left corner of the weekly layout, that says “this week’s focus” and I write it there so I can’t help but see it every day when I look at my endless to-do lists and I’m reminded of what needs to be the most important. It’s helped me to take some time and reflect on how I’m caring for myself every week and if I can make weekly resolutions I can make annual ones, right? So here goes. My new year’s resolutions:
Self-care above everything else. I get stressed easily, and I know that in busy or high-pressure situations I don’t take good care of myself. I don’t sleep enough, I don’t eat right, I don’t give myself chances to relax and clear my mind. I don’t take enough bubble baths or read enough books or clean my room enough. More self-care in 2018.
Intentionality in my interactions with coworkers, friends, and family. When I’m with people, I want to be fully present and invested, I want to build connections and hear and have things to hold on to.
Constant learning. I love to learn, and I love to ask other people about the things they’re learning. It’s exciting to hear about what kind of blood my sister looked at in the lab today or a car thing that my friend did, and to see the person’s eyes light up as they explain things that matter to them. It’s a very cool thing, and I am going to do my best to stay excited about my opportunity and ability to learn new things and share them with people.
Lighten up. I take things really seriously and it’s hard work so I am going to try easing up on my expectations of myself and others.
Happy new year, friends. Make it a good one.
Linneah
Linneah Tovstiga 