For an Easier 2011, Don't Make a Resolution
It is lightly snowing out side my office window on New Year’s Eve as I write this…
It is a sure thing that I am NOT making a New Year’s resolution. But I suppose you could argue that NOT making a resolution is my resolution!
"New Year’s Day…now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolution. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual." - Mark Twain
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This article was featured on The Weekly Grind, Omaha’s young professional radio program, on January 8, 2011 - Listen to the show!
I am not going to resolve to lose weight or any other typical resolution. If I wanted to do it, I would have started it already. No point in giving myself something to feel bad about later when I know I don’t really want to do it.
I have been thoroughly enjoying all kinds of holiday food! Top of my list is mashed potatoes and gravy. Chocolate is a very close second. Any chocolate. We wrapped up the holiday feasting with junk food night tonight. I thought maybe this long tradition might come to and end this year because our oldest is a sophomore in college. It is wonderful that he is looking forward to stuffing himself while we watch a comedy I rented at the video store. One of the highlight of junk food night is “cheese in a can” squirted on a very nice Ritz cracker.
“Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now average…which means, you have met your New Year’s resolution.” - Jay Leno
I can hear some of you thinking—but we should watch our weight, etc. Yes, but, I am not a big fan of shoulds, unless it is ‘you should pay your taxes.’ Slowly over the years, I have been eating healthier. I do this without any shoulds—I just do it because I feel better and don’t “bite off” more than I can chew. I think this is an easier formula to stick to. Part of that formula is that I treat myself with my favorite foods from time to time. Just not all the time. When we are at my mom’s house for a holiday meal, I love her cooking so much I stuff myself silly!
I think we should make resolutions to treat ourselves better. Make the time to have lunch with a friend or go get a manicure. (Guys, insert what works for you here). How about if we all pay a little more attention to being kinder to ourselves? Turn down the volume on our inner critics. It is a sure thing that we will feel better and those around us will benefit from that.
Here are a few cute New Year’s resolutions from HubPages.com:
I will…
- …Start washing my hands after I use the restroom.
- …Stop drinking orange juice after I just brushed my teeth.
- …Stop licking frozen flag poles.
- …Only get divorced and remarried once this year.
- …Watch more movie remakes.
- …Go back to school to avoid paying my student loans.
- …Only eat white snow.
- …Keep it to myself that I have trouble with authority when I’m being interviewed.
- …Spend less than $1825 for coffee at Starbucks this year.
- …Claim all my pets as dependents on my taxes.
Hope you all have a wonderful New Year! I am very grateful to all of you who read and Tweet / Facebook my articles. I couldn’t do it with out your support.
Comments
SNBaird says:
January 1, 2011 : 13 years 48 weeks ago
Yet ANOTHER reason why we’re such a great match! Mashed potatoes and gravy is my very favorite food, too!
I’m with you on the resolutions thing. Instead, I’d rather focus on a vision. 2011 is going to be amazing because… [insert characteristics of an amazing year here]. Obviously, I’ll have to do my part to continue nurturing valuable relationships, taking trips outside of my comfort zone, over-delivering whenever possible, and staying open to unexpected opportunities, but I’m not going to worry about the specifics. I’m going to continue to pay attention to positive, creative people like you and banish as much drama from my environment as possible, and remember that whatever happens in 2011 is happening to teach me, mold me, and prepare me for the next level of great stuff!
Loved this post — as usual! Happy New Year, @AnnieDoodlebugz!!
AnnDbugz says:
January 2, 2011 : 13 years 48 weeks ago
Hey Susan!
Thanks for the great comments! You go get’em!
Kathy Arends (not verified) says:
January 1, 2011 : 13 years 48 weeks ago
Hey Ann, great article! Made me smile, as always! Happy New Year to you!
mamashepp says:
January 5, 2011 : 13 years 48 weeks ago
You will not be surprised to hear that my resolution is to read more books and have more fun with it!
AnnDbugz says:
January 6, 2011 : 13 years 48 weeks ago
Fantastic!
That reminds me, I got a copy of “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett for a gift. I am about 1/3 of the way into it and LOVE it! Have your read it?
Jo M. Lynch (not verified) says:
January 14, 2011 : 13 years 46 weeks ago
Ann,
What a supreme article. I think this is my new favorite. I have always felt the same way about New Years resolutions, so I’m with you all the way! The article hits all the right spots and even has some light touches of humor. I can’t add anything to it as you’ve covered all of the pertinent points in a very concise article. Wonderful piece!
Thank you for your witty and well researched words of wisdom in 2010, and I am so looking forward to all you touch upon this coming year of 2011.
Many warm thanks…..
Jo
http://whimzicals.com
Jo M. Lynch (not verified) says:
January 14, 2011 : 13 years 46 weeks ago
I just looked and saw that you were reading “The Help” Ann…. It was one of my all time favorite books this past year and beyond. Fabulous! So well written. I was very disappointed when I looked to see what else she had written only to find this was her first book. I will look forward to any others she writes.
I hated to see it end… Enjoy each page…
Jo
AnnDbugz says:
January 14, 2011 : 13 years 46 weeks ago
Hey Jo!
I am about 1/3 of the way through “The Help”. Mom gave it to me for my birthday in December..
What a great gift! I just love the way it is written and the story line.
Take care and happy New Year!