January 1, 2014

Over the years, Poppets, I have be incredibly vocal about rejecting the pressure of a New Year’s Resolution. And no, I’m not backing off of that at all this year.  But that doesn’t mean we can’t decide what we want this next year to look like, set some goals for ourselves. Goals like…

Being kind to each other. Curb the cattiness this year. Focus less on who a person is on the outside, and pay closer attention to who they are on the inside. Get to know someone you work with, live near, go to school with. Hold a door, or say thank you when someone holds the door for you. It doesn’t have to be a big deal. The small things can make a difference – sometimes a big one.

Giving what we can, when we can. The holiday season is a great time for giving. Food banks and charities are asking for help in force. There are opportunities galore. But the need exists year-round. In fairness, not all of us have a lot to share, but that doesn’t need to stop us. A dollar a week is all it takes. Or put your spare change in a jar and give it away at the end of every month. Maybe buy a can of tuna or chicken soup or a toothbrush every time you go to the grocery store. By the end of the month, the quarter, or the year, you won’t have spent much, but the critical mass you’ve accumulated for the organization will be very appreciated. Last month, I wrote about organizations you could give to. They would love your help throughout the year, too.

Trying something new. I don’t mean “go to the gym every night” something new. I mean go for Indian food instead of ordering pizza. Take an art class. Color your hair – it’s even okay to use a temporary dye to make sure you like it. It can be something you’ve always wanted to try, or it can be something that catches your eye on a whim. Just do something you’ve never done before.

Being kind to yourself. This is my favorite. You know how you can never quite… How you just can’t… How you always manage to screw up the… It’s time to let that go. Embrace what you can do. Delight in your talents. Accept your own greatness.

Picking your friends. If there is anyone in your world who doesn’t support you in all of this, they don’t deserve to be in your world any longer. Anyone who holds you back, no matter how long you’ve known them, doesn’t have a place by your side.

2014 can be a great year. We can all be happy, healthy, confident. With no resolutions, and no guilt. Resolutions are tough; goals can be helpful. Just choose them wisely, because goals can sometimes masquerade as resolutions. Be nicer to yourself than that. You deserve it. We all do.

So, yes, happy new year, Poppets. Until next month, take care of you.