There is something wonderful about the idea that we can start fresh in a new year. Turning a new page. Pushing the reset button. Whatever. It’s like we can let go of whatever didn’t go to plan last year – the disappointment, the failed efforts or the plans that we never even got started on, and wind ourselves up to do better or more or different in the new year. Another chance. I always feel optimistic about the days ahead looking at year from this perspective. But in the past, I fall prey to setting unrealistic resolutions (ultra harsh diets, running five miles a day, waking up super early and doing God only knows what… you know the drill!). How quickly the rush of excitement and commitment melts in the harsh light of day. How fleeting that resolution seems by week two or three of the new year. Then, things really hit the skids. I begin a slow spiral down into the ruts ground deep by the preceding years.
I think the culprit is two-fold: Ambitions are too high; Follow through too low. So as I sit here today contemplating the year ahead, I’m once again eager to make a list of all the changes I can make that will dramatically improve my life. This year, I’ll get it right! But I’m going to dial down my great leap forward and ponder a few things that always make my life better without really having to make huge changes.
Here are four intentions for my new year. My criterion is that each much (1) be doable everyday, although progress or results be much slower; (2) make me feel good quickly, if not immediately; (3) be embraced with love and ease, rather than taken on as a punishment for some past misstep or failure, and (4) are meaningful only to me, and not subject to whatever anyone else thinks about what I’m doing.
- More Music: Last year, I signed up for a thirty day the HuffPost Happiness Challenge and each day they sent me a quick happiness “hack.” Some were basic like get some exercise everyday or unfriending unfriendly people on Facebook (done that, thanks!), but the best and easiest recommendation they made was to create a “Happy” playlist on your iTunes account. I shoved mine full of Jackson Five, the Supremes, James Taylor and loads of other songs that just plain make me happy. It’s my go-to playlist and never fails to lift my spirits. I just find when I listen to good music I feel better. Last week in London, I saw Phantom of the Opera and my niece practically had to stop me from singing aloud in the theatre. I’d forgotten how much I love that music. I’d forgotten my long-held, though unrealistic dream of singing on stage. I just don’t have the voice for Broadway, but nothings stopping me from staring in my own Broadway musical at home. It’s on. More highly curated, mood enhancing music for me in 2017.
- Invest in (my) people: I talked to my best friend this morning and it must be said that my people are the bomb. I’m so lucky to be chock full of great friends and family and I don’t want to let myself forget how blessed I am in that. My intention this year is to really invest in my people. Listen more. Be there. Call or write. Show up as my best self, or my worst self, or whatever I happen to be feeling at that moment. But show up. Every time I find the courage to share what’s really happening, it creates a space for those around me to be honest too. And then the healing and laughter and rejuvenation can begin. More of that, please.
- Fun Exercise: Those are two words that I never really thought went together. I think the greatest lesson of the past year or two is how much they do. It started when I began the Couch-to-5k app. After five weeks of alternating running and walking, I found I was up to 20 minutes running. Then, I decided to train for a half marathon. Strangely, I began to look forward to long runs, an entirely unheard of notion before. Still slow, I began to anticipate how good I would feel at the end of the run, how clear my mind’s whiteboard gets after even a short run. And more miraculously, it happens every time. Without fail. But still I resisted. Over the past two years, I’ve added hiking to the mix, exploring the incredible natural beauty for which California is so well-known, and doing it in the company of friends who truly fill up my tank in every way. Lastly, I signed up for a personal trainer at the gym and I can’t say I love it while I’m doing it, but I do feel great afterward. So my intention is to keep building on this momentum, not because it’s significantly changed my body (the changes have been small and gradual, I’m sad to report) but mostly because it is changing my mental wellbeing. Dramatically and to the good. Fun and exercise, they always said it would make a huge difference but I never really got it till now.
- Yes, And: My final intention is to embrace life as it is. Call it acceptance. Call it embracing the fog. I want to engender a greater attitude of adventure, curiosity, and openness. Several times last year, I’ve challenged myself to try new things and get out of old habits. Though hard to sustain, I love shaking it up and getting out of my comfort zone. And the best thing is that its spread to my friends, so I’m often invited to do something new or different now. I want to focus more on what is and what can be. I want to choose to embrace and enhance the life I have, rather than wasting time wishing for something different. I want to enter this year not in the struggle but it full-fledged surrender. Yes, this is how it is right now. And what else can be?
Share your happiness inducing, life enhancing intentions for the new year and let’s get this year rolling off to a good start!!
Boonedoggler 