A Writer’s Resolutions for the New Year
By Christy English
When I first thought about this post, I was torn. Make a joke, or tell the truth? Well, I decided to do a little of both. Though of course the best jokes always contain the truth, so I’ll start with the category of Amusing Resolutions.
Amusing Resolutions
1) I want to cut back on sugar. For those of you who know me already, you know why this one falls in the category of a joke. I adore all things related to sugar: candy, chocolate, soda, chocolate…This adoration has been with me all my life, and I fear it will always stay with me. Of course, you never know.
2) I want to cut back on drinking Coca Cola. Again, notice that this is listed in the joke category.
3) I want to stop reading in the middle of the night. I am a middle of the night insomniac. Instead of meditating on my breath or freaking myself out about all the things I need to do but haven’t gotten done yet, I read. And when I am reading a book by Lisa Kleypas or Grace Burrowes, I am up for at least two hours, sometimes more. Those women write addictive romances, but it is an addiction I don’t want to be cured of.
4) I want to exercise three times a week. I know that this resolution sounds perfectly reasonable. I personally know people who work out much more often than this, and live happy, healthy, productive lives. I admire those people. I am not one of them, but I admire them. I also know myself well, and at this point this goal is a lofty one.
Resolutions I Might Actually Keep:
1) Keep a gratitude journal. My friend Donna Russo Morin does this, and has done it for years, and it brings her joy. The few times I have done the same, it has made my personal world a better place. It changes the frequency of my thoughts, from all that I have to do and have failed to do, to all that I have been given. Reminding myself of all my blessings is a practice I can develop daily.
2) Go to Yoga Class. Now, I know myself well, so I know that this is very unlikely to become a weekly habit, but if I would resume my yoga practice even once every two or three weeks, the benefits to my mind and body would be enormous. That sounds good to me.
3) Be Kind to Myself. This sounds odd, no doubt. But I think we are each our own worst critics. I think we expect a great deal of ourselves, and are cruel to ourselves when we fall short. So compassion for myself is a vow I am going to renew this 2016. I can and will treat myself with love, the same way I treat my friends. I deserve it. We all do.