New Year's Resolutions.
It seems to me each year I spend a decent amount of time trying to create meaningful resolutions; those that will have a substantial impact on me, my family, my community. They all typically fall short by about noon on Jan. 1. That's partly because I spend more time thinking of the grand impact rather than the realistic nature of the resolution.
This year, I vow to be different. My resolutions are more simple, yet more meaningful to me personally. And while I may not have solved world peace by Dec. 31, 2009, I will take pride in having appreciated life just a bit more... that is, if I stick to it.
Resolution #1 - Spend more time laughing and less time preaching to my kids.
No doubt my three children are my greatest accomplishment. I used to resolve to spend more time with them. But I've found that resolution to be flawed - for one, I spend a ton of time with them despite working full-time and secondly, if the time isn't quality, what's the point? I have noticed that particularly over the last year I feel like I only talk to them when I'm correcting their faults, and only singing their praises to strangers. This will reverse itself in 2009. Of course I'll still have to be a Mom and enforce responsible discipline, but I'm also going to be more aware of pointing out my children's amazing qualities to them, helping them appreciate and respect themselves more and taking great pride to their face in watching them develop into wonderful little people.
Resolution #2 - Appreciate that life is indeed fragile.
How many times must we learn this lesson? Life can change in an instant... seems like after we go through such an altering time - the death of a loved one; a scary health crisis; the loss of a job - we vow to put more focus on what's really important and that lasts about 3 weeks. Then we're right back to worrying more about reports at work and not noticing that you've missed multiple opportunities to have a meaningful conversation with someone who may not be here next year. It's a simple lesson that I plan to remind myself of daily.
Resolution #3 - Forget the big picture; I'm sweating the small stuff.
In the past, I've put a ton of focus on my career and family's 10-15 year plan. Are we saving enough for college; am I doing the most to advance at work; am I connected enough in the community for long-term effects? Focusing on such lofty goals is ok, admirable and responsible at some level. But getting too focused allows you to miss too many opportunities to improve the here and now. This year, I'll sweat the small stuff. My logic is that if I can master the small stuff today in a meaningful way, I have a feeling the big stuff will begin to work out and even become more clear.
Resolution #4 - Appreciate my spouse for the wonderful husband and father that he is.
My husband is fantastic. He is an equal provider for our family; he is an active, loving, devoted father. He accepts equal responsibility for the family and housework, regardless of the hour of the day. And I rarely tell him how much he is appreciated. Nor do I pay enough attention to when he may need a break from all of this perfectness. I don't have to look around too long to find examples of marriages in bad shape to make me realize what a true partner he is in every sense of the word; and this year, shame on me if he doesn't know it.
This is just a small list, but as #3 states, I'm narrowcasting this year.
