Happy New Year

New Year's Resolutions - and why I don't make them.

It's that time of year again when folks take a long look in the mirror and come up with a list of what in their lives needs "fixing".  The lists alway contains many don'ts and won'ts and puritanical does and shoulds.

What a depressing way to start a new year.

I abandoned the idea years ago. I've reached a stage in my life where I can be pretty honest with myself.

1. I am not going to get up at 6:00 am, pack my work clothes and a healthy lunch and go to the gym everyday.
2. I am not going to eliminate 80% of the carbohydrate from my diet.
3. My house will not be spotless. I will still have a few closets and drawers that are "places of mystery". I like mysteries.
4. I will not study French every day for 30 minutes. Nor will I practice the piano regularly.
5. And I most definitely will not be giving up wine. 

I am not a complete Neanderthal

I'm capable of introspection and think it's not a bad idea to go a little deeper this time of year.
Last year I came across a great exercise for setting the intention of your year. (sorry I can't remember the original source)

1. Spend a few minutes and make a quick list of  your major accomplishment  last year.​
2. Make a list of some major things you'd like to accomplish this year. 
3. Now go back and write down the feelings those events have or will engender.
4. Pick a few of those key feelings and write them down.  Last year my list include  

                   Challenged,  Creative, Healthy, Connected
    5.  Keep the list somewhere you'll see it often.  I have mine as a screensaver on my phone.
     6.   Use those words as a guide when planning your days and  year.  Ask yourself, does this behavior                 make me  feel  (fill in the blank)?
​     7.  Set your course accordingly.

I can't guarantee you will be able to check off an impressive list of accomplishments by year's end, but you will definitely have a head start on the happiness trail. 
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