Can refusing to make resolutions free us from failure in the new year? What would happen if we let the year unfold willy-nilly and toss us around however it wishes? Would our lives look any different?
My best laid plans never included widowhood, cancer and Skittish Tabby as my bestie. Well, that last part may not be completely true.
How about instead of resolutions, we create guidelines–actions and non-actions to create a life closer to the happiness we seek? Of course it requires action. But it also requires creating barriers–like those bumpers in baby bowling. I’ll start.
Comparison to other women is out. We’re all beautiful, talented, and interesting in our own ways. If I don’t like you, I’ll still be nice. You just won’t get quality time with Skittish tabby. Caveat: If you’re mean to me, I will write about it. Some things never change.
Botox, visiting new places, shoes, dresses, and meeting new cats are musts. Don’t give up the keys to your mental health. Hint: Yours don’t look like mine or those of your best friend.
Walk, eat healthy, and do weight-bearing exercise. The bane of my existence. I get it. We’re older. We want to extend life and get up off the floor when we sit crisscross applesauce with our grandchildren. I’ll still complain but there is the possibility of pickleball on Wednesday evenings. Baby steps.
Read and write. Can we ever get our fill? Enough said.
You do you. I don’t care. But if you’re having a private conversation in public, I will listen and take sides. If you use social media as a place to show off, I will think something is missing in your life. If you are rude to staff, I will stare at you until you’re uncomfortable. And I will judge your footwear. I can’t help myself.
My monthly to-do list will include breakfast with friends. The food is better and cheaper, and there is little that coffee and a croissant cannot solve. The same goes for eggs, bacon, and hash browns.
Work supports life. It is not more than that. We work to provide for ourselves, our families and buy shoes. Work does not deserve an elevated podium. It will not love you back. You will not wish for more of it on your deathbed.
Things that are worth the spend: Nails, hair, pedicures, and good bread.
Your passion. Find it. Share it. We can’t wait to applaud.
The weight of other’s opinions. Why do we lose sleep over the thoughts of someone who has not walked in our shoes? They haven’t known our minds, felt our pain, overcome our adversities, or felt our joy. Yet we lease them space. No one’s opinion is a fact. Read that again.
Give yourself grace. What if you spent an entire year treating yourself as kindly as you treat others? What if you saw the good in you? What if you gave yourself more chances? What if you complimented your outfit, your eyes or your work? Try it for a week. Then two. After 21 days, it’s a habit. It may take longer for some of you. You know who you are. Perhaps you should back off on the personal grace and spread some of that around. Just a thought.
New Year, New You. How about just a happier you? Did you hear the glasses clink?
The Duchess Diaries 