As we head into a new year, there’s a quiet revolution happening:
People are refusing to make New Year’s resolutions.
And, I love it!
As far back as I can remember, New Year’s resolutions have been a mainstay of January. Teachers made their students write essays on the subject, friends compared resolutions with each other, and magazines were filled with helpful hints on how to achieve the most common resolutions (lose weight and get organized, anyone?).
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to work on ourselves and our lives, of course. But, think about it, we barely make it through the holiday season (exhausted and ready for a break) and we’re supposed to leap right into a whole new list of things to accomplish?
I love what Stephanie wrote last week in her blog. Basically, she talked about a new kind of list, one that doesn’t involve a bunch of “to-do’s”. Instead, it’s a list that documents all the things you already do well. I just love that idea. No guilt? No pressure or frustration? Building yourself up instead of focusing on your flaws? Yes! Sign me up!
Many of us quit making resolutions a long time ago. But, don’t you always feel a tiny bit of guilt when you don’t? Like you’re missing an important part of welcoming in the New Year?
My January magazines have begun to arrive in my mailbox and I prepared myself for the obligatory “helpful” articles on how to achieve New Year’s resolutions. I have been delighted to find an absence of such articles! In fact, one of my favorite magazines had a picture of yummy pancakes on the cover (take that, diet tips!) and the letter from the editor really spoke to my heart. He talked about how the New Year always fills him with the desire to be creative. No guilt, just the excitement of trying something new, whether it be trying a new craft, painting a bathroom or starting a journal.
It seems the magazines are joining the revolution and it’s so much nicer than all the “shoulds” that flood our lives!
Of course, I will try and lose weight this year and eat healthier. And, I will attempt more movement in my life in spite of my disabilities. I’d also love to purge and clean. But, there will be no list, nothing will be written down and I will work on feeling no guilt if I don’t accomplish all of these things.
Because, Mommies, motherhood (and life) is hard enough without adding guilt and failure into the equation.
So, Happy New Year to you all! May this year bring you happiness and pride in all the things you do accomplish, whatever they may be.
