Since I am on vacation from work, my mind has had ample time to think about what 2010 will bring. In the past, I have experienced a wide range of emotions at the turn of a new year. Sometimes, I consider all the things I have not accomplished yet and become filled with anxious feelings. Sometimes, I feel refreshed by the thought of all the new doors awaiting to be opened.
Often times, (like most people), I feel bloated and stuffed after the holidays and focus on the depressing feeling of the extra holiday weight... gross.
One year in college, I was obsessed with incorporating "new" into my life. New friends, new experiences, new boyfriend, new fashions. That year, one of my good friends said something that still sticks with me. She was talking to someone and said, "You know how Jess gets at the beginning of every year... " I didn't realize that my "trying to better myself" was actually doing the exact opposite.
New years resolutions are great, but for the perfectionist in me, they lead to the anxious feelings about accomplishing these new goals to the fullest. This morning, while talking with my mom about the 90 min Bikram Yoga class we took yesterday, I said "That was great for stretching my back, but I could never do that on a weeknight..." I realized that I was immediately giving myself excuses for myself for things that I would like to add to my busy life but just might not have time every week.
So - rather than a traditional resolution, I have a checklist. Because let's face it, a list is just way more me anyway. I am comprising a list "TOP 10 IN 2010 " of things I want to do/accomplish. Some will be small, like reading a book start to finish. Some will be fun, like making a pie from scratch and growing a tomato plant. Some will benefit my future, like getting my finances organized. I have 1 so far for my friends and family: sending out by birthday cards in time. For some reason, this approach to a new year's resolution feels more exciting and inspiring rather than daunting. My complete Top 10 in 2010 list will be posted soon.
I'm already planning and creating something document my 26th year... Top 26 in 26 perhaps?? I'm thinking about selecting 26 pictures in my 26th year to make a little scrapbook or something. I would have liked to some sort of Top 9 in 09 in pictures, but I don't think I took that many pictures of what I did... Santa brought me a camera for Christmas so I will be able to post pictures again!
