I am an absolutely notorious resolver. I have always had a bit of a New Year’s Day addiction. There is something magical about turning that metaphorical corner when we turn that page of the calendar.
In the past, I have created lists that resembled books complete with attached schedules and check boxes. I start out crazed strong and for a couple of weeks, I feel like could outdo Alexander the Great. I learn a word a day. I drink tons of water. I exercise like an Olympian in training. I clean my corners and vacuum my mattress.
Sounds pretty amazing, right? Except there is a flip-side to that coin. I burn out fast and often leave more destruction in my path. Because I try to do it all at once, I end up like Napoleon stuck in Russia during the winter. I pull out everything in my closet to purge and organize and then find myself exhausted before I return everything. Bridges burned and house destroyed, I begin to lose my resolve (pun intended, though I’ll admit I was heavy on the historical war references).
I am also such a perfectionist that I’m self-defeating. Not only do I lose sight of the big picture as I worry about every hanger, baseboard, and corner but the minute I miss a checkbox, I feel like I have to start over. It drives me crazy when there is a missing “x”. So much so that after more than one I fall into failure mode.
And part of me really wanted to do that again as ridiculous as I know it to be. But this year, I resisted the urge. Part of me speaking of my illness is to acknowledge that I can’t do everything. Truly, no one could have done all to which I aspired, but I certainly cannot now. I need to concentrate on focusing my energy on those things that matter and not beat myself up for those things which I cannot.
So here are my non-resolution resolutions. I resolve to give myself a break in 2012. I resolve to enjoy my family more and worry less. I resolve to appreciate my life and body for as much as it still does give me.
So 2012, I’m not oping to say “bring it!” because 2011 did and frankly, kicked me pretty hard in the booty. I’m going to say, “let’s enjoy each other and the previous time we have”.
What did you resolve or not resolve?
I don’t have much luck with resolutions either. It seems like the new trend is to pick a word for the year. Mine is ‘Simplify’. I’m trying to get rid of the mental and physical clutter in all aspects of my life. We’ll see if I can keep it up for a whole year.
I hope we both can make the year!
Traci
I’ve resolved NOT to make resolutions!
Yay for that!
Traci
I stopped making new year resolutions a while ago now – by making none I can’t become disappointed when I fail to fulfill them.
I think that its smarter to not make them. We’ll see if I can keep this attitude!
Traci
Great resolution! You deserve a break.
I was thinking something like about myself today. I spend so much time going over and over my failures. I need to give that much time (or more) to thinking about my accomplishments. I was thinking about a blog post and this has inspired me to go for it.
I will be heading your way to check out that post!!!
Traci
I think this is a great idea! I do the same thing… not just at the start of a new year… but every month or so. And yes, I exhaust myself and have to pack up whatever project I’ve decided to slam out and then feel depressed for a week because I can’t seem to accomplish what I want to accomplish. We ask too much of ourselves, I think. If I’d start out with something small and reasonable, I know I could follow through. Sometimes I’ll think about something I want to accomplish and then look at the enormity of the thing and just give up and go straight to depression. LOL Oh my. So… that said…. I love your “resolutions” and will try to follow them myself. However, this year, I also resolve to be more creative!!!
And… as a side note…. how are you feeling?
It’s so good to know that I am not alone in my New Year’s addiction. Maybe we should start our own support group. We could get an intervention show — maybe on OWN, Oprah still seems to be looking for programming,,, LOL! Thanks, though. I have had a rough couple of weeks. I’m learning to accept where I’m at with its limitations but it’s not easy. I’ll get there.
Traci
From one perfectionist to another, Bravo! I hope you do take it easier on yourself!!
Thanks! I hope so, too. Perfectionist tendencies are not easily shed and I have tried before but now that my health is at stake, I have to learn to let go.
Traci
I think that’s an awesome resolution to make, personally. I have noticed that the greatest success with resolution-making comes from people who set realistic goals for the new year. They don’t have to start off the year on a bad foot if they are unable to reach all the outlandish milestones they create for themselves and they can feel good about the many accomplishments they do make throughout the year.
That being said, I decided to quit smoking this year. It was absolutely NOT premeditated, just something that my bf mentioned wanting to do and I thought it might be nice to have someone to coach along. And I feel great so far. The true test always comes after a night of drinking, but so far, so good
Best wishes and all the best for a happy and healthy 2012!!
That is awesome, Charlotte! My husband has been smoking since he was 16 which makes it 26 years. He has been struggling with quitting for several years now. I wish you strength and love. Trust me as an observer, there will never be a perfect time and it will never get easier, the younger you can do it, the better!
Congrats and good luck!!!
Traci