Instead of Resolving to Change, Resolve to Be

I don’t really do resolutions. I stopped making them a long time ago when I realized a few things.

1) There’s nothing magical about New Year’s Eve. Sure it’s fun to celebrate but all in all, it’s just another day and we shouldn’t save up all the “special stuff” for it.

2) it’s good to set, revisit, and revise goals throughout the year, not just on January 1. Trying to set them once a year tends to make them huge lofty goals that are harder to keep. I like to work on them quarterly, monthly, weekly – even daily!

3) When we focus on setting resolutions at the new year, we often try to make it about what’s wrong with us and our lives and how we’re going to change that. If we aren’t careful, it can quickly turn into a negative.

So, instead of resolving to change this year, I’ve decided to resolve to be instead.

I resolve to be gentle and accepting with myself just the way I am.

And, I resolve to be focused on what’s good about my family and friends and appreciate them for who they are.

I resolve to be immersed in and savoring the moments of my life – Instead of making a huge grand life makeover, I resolve to not only see, but revel in the messiness and find the joy and beauty within.

And finally, I resolve to be present. Instead of dwelling on the past or putting life on hold in favor of what might be coming in the future, I will be where I already am.

What about you? What will you “be” this year?