Resolutions? Intentions? My guidance to myself in the new year

Are you a New Year’s Resolution person? Sometimes I am.

This year, I made a list of things I want to focus on – not necessarily resolutions that I’ll beat myself up over if I don’t stick to or live up to my own standards, but sort of a list of intentions, to make sure I don’t lose sight of what I’m thinking and hoping to be, at least right now.

I share them here with you in case they inspire you, andbecause sharing them will help me remember them and I think to stay true tothem.

MOVE MORE

Interestingly, I just looked back at a new year’s resolution blog post I wrote at the end of 2017, and the first thing on the list was “get up and move!” I guess I’m consistent. In 2019, a lot of change came my way, including a hurt back and physical therapy, a new job working from home, and a stress fracture in my shin that landed me in a boot for 14 weeks. I did a lot of sitting. I gained a lot of weight. I got tired from being, dare I say it – lazy.

So in 2020, I’m re-committed to getting up and movingmore. As a mom of three boys, there’sconstant action around me, and as comfy as it is to watch from the couch, I’mmuch happier – and so are the kids – when I’m up and at ‘em with them. And working from home, now that my leg ishealed, means I should have time toget to the gym, walk around the block, continue teaching dance class. But it also means I need to get up from mydesk to go up and down the stairs a few times, or do a few squats when tuningin to a conference call. In my oldoffice environment, it was easy to take the stairs from one floor to another,rush to a meeting room, head out for lunch time, etc. It’s unfortunately easy for me to sit on mybutt all day in my new arrangement, but in 2020, I’m changing that.

SPREAD KINDNESSS

The world needs it more now than ever, it seems. It doesn’t take much, but a little kindness goes a long way. Plain and simple.

REMEMBER WHAT’S IMPORTANT

I don’t mean “remember the difference between what’s important and what’s not.” I mean, remember the things that are important to you, and hold onto them. I will work hard to not forget the things I promised my heart I would remember – memories of friends and family who have passed, influential words someone spoke to me, a feeling a person gave me, a proud moment, joy . . . . whatever it is that I made a silent pact with my own heart about, I’m going to remember it. It’s important.

STAY CREATIVE

It’s everything to me! It’s where I bring energy and get energy in return. I’m fueled by creative energy – in thinking through business situations, parenting techniques, planning parties and vacations, making up songs, bringing joy to others, writing poetry, writing a blog, making memes, solving problems . . . I don’t ever want to lose creative inspiration or my ability to be completely energized by it.

LOOK AHEAD

I don’t mean not to live in the moment. You’ll know from many of my writing pieces that being present – fully in the moment – is incredibly important to me. But as someone with a strong memory for detail, words, experiences (some friends call me Rainman for life details and things that have happened), it’s easy for me to spend so much time remembering, reminiscing, and living in nostalgia. It’s just as important to take the person I am thanks to all of those woven memories and look ahead – positive thinking about all the adventures, opportunities, and experiences to come.

HELP

Most parents these days have heard the saying at least once – “Wow, you’ve got your hands full!” I do. We all do. I juggle work and three kids and a house and a husband and all things that go along with adulthood and life in general. Sometimes I’m stressed out. Sometimes I’m tired. Sometimes I snap. But that’s not helpful. I need to realize the role I play in others’ lives and make sure I HELP where I can – give hugs even when I’m out of energy. Give patience when my tank is empty. Give advice when someone needs it. Don’t snip when I can just let things go. (Dear hubby, please close a drawer every now and then, though, ok?)