In a year of triumphs and tragedies, both personal and global, I have contemplated what to resolve myself to for the upcoming year.
The world seems to be a lot heavier than it has ever been, and I don't mean physically. That's why I feel the need for some resolutions.
I'm doing away with lists, both physical and mental. They never get completed anyway, so why bother? A list is just a constant reminder to me of all the things that I haven't done and still need to do. My vow for 2002 is to just keep things simple.
Ever since Sept. 11, everyone is saying we need to reorganize our priorities. Well, if you haven't already done so (as most of us have), now's as good a time as any.
I believe I will try to set more do-able goals for myself and my family. You know, things that seem small but have more meaningful consequences.
I plan to light a lot of candles in 2002 to chase away the darkness. They are so peaceful, and when my home is filled with this ethereal, almost spiritual light, I feel more calm and relaxed and hopeful. Isn't that what life should be about, anyway?
I plan to spend more time with my friends. I ended the year doing more of this, but why wait until the holidays to reacquaint yourself with those that truly share your friendship? Aren't they your dear friends all the year through?
I plan to read a lot more. Now, this is no small feat since I average about a book a week now. But I hope to increase the depth of my reading material. I thought I might go back and read some of those things they required me to read in high school and college - the ones we thought were so awful because we "had" to read them. Things like Eudora Welty and William Faulkner and William Shakespeare and Mark Twain. And I plan to read my Bible more - Isaiah in particular. Have you ever really sat down and read that book? It's amazing the parallels you can draw from the perils of ancient kings and the personal problems many of us face today.
Spending more quality time with my family rates high, as well. Now, this is not the most original of resolutions, but it is worth committing to, especially now. Even though they know it, I plan to tell my husband and children that I love them every day. One never knows when they walk out the door if the conversation, or fight, or disagreement or loving words may be the last they will ever share with someone close to them.
And I plan to spend more time visiting my parents. In this busy world of kids and pets and spouses and school and sports, we tend to forget those that brought us into the world and how we needed (and continue to need) them. They still need us as well.
I am resolved to cooking more meals and trying new things in the kitchen. Cooking has become a constant source of relaxation (although I'd rather let someone else do the cleaning up.) I have baked a record number of cookies this past month and have tried several new recipes.
I am also resolved to saying no to things I simply don't have time for, even though I may have the capability or the talent to do them. I am becoming acutely aware of my limits, and it is time I reorganized my priorities, for both my physical and mental well-being. I will continue to do the things I fully enjoy. As for those things that just take up space in my life, I will clean out the clutter and move on.
Speaking of clutter, I will try to do a better job of keeping my closets and drawers clean. This surely has to help me in my goal of keeping things simple. A cluttered closet is surely the sign of a cluttered mind. If that's the case, it's amazing I have functioned as long as I have.
I resolve to laugh - and cry - more. Crying is not a sign of weakness, as some may think. It is a sign that you are stronger and more emotionally blessed than you think. It's the ability to feel, and show it, that makes being a human being worthwhile.
And finally, I intend to thank God every day for what I have. Until Sept. 11, I admitted I was a selfish person. I am sure we can all say that. Now, instead of complaining of what I don't have, I am thankful for what I do have - a home, a family, clothing, food and friends. Oh yes, and life and liberty, and the freedom to celebrate those things once taken for granted every single day.
