Do you set New Year resolutions? I sometimes do. Over the years I've pledged to spend more time with friends, decided to cook more and committed to visiting my parent more often with varying results. Know what I mean?
When I was younger it didn't seem to matter if I met my resolutions and, if it mattered too much, I didn't have to set any more resolutions. There was always the next year anyway. When I turned fifty though resolutions and follow through took on graver meanings and I welcomed the new year's energy to inspire me to set new goals. Spending more time with friends wasn't a casual hope after the death of my first friend. Cooking more often became essential in order to cope with new health challenges. Visiting my parent wasn't an intention after 50 it was a necessary factor in her well being.
Living includes many events, at all times of year, that prompt us to be more responsible or to create strategic responses that improve our lives or the lives of others. Since many of those resolutions are serious and business-like such as writing a will or getting regular checkups I don't want to squander New Year's resolutions on more of the same. This year I'm going to set New Year's resolutions that disrupt the progressively pragmatic and responsible schedule of my life.
Rather than making a goal for long term commitment or more huge personal change I'm going to treat myself to the little shifts that allow me more freedom in life. This won't require alot of resources or a flight to somewhere I've never been. I can derive a similar break in routine by driving home a different way every other week or turning a new corner in my beautiful city. Why try to allocate alot of time manifesting change? I can stop for coffee in the cafe I always walk by, say "hello how are you" to someone I typically pass, or turn my dial to a new radio frequency. Get good sleep, yes, but I want to wake up at the crack of dawn to take a hike this summer or run down to the water's edge to see a late night sunset.
Life happens in moments not years. This New Year I'm just planning to embrace and enjoy more of those moments. How about you?
