New Year’s Resolutions

Brian and I all dressed up for the New Year. Stylin!

My New Year’s Eve was fantastic! We went to the Copacabana in Times Square which sounds like a crazy idea, but we were far enough removed from the crowds. Essentially we danced the night away!

I love New Year’s Resolutions, and I am shocked to realize I didn’t really make any last year. I guess I was in a strange place at the time anyway.

I wouldn’t go so far as saying that 2011 sucked, but it was definitely the most difficult year of my life. I recently read a list of questions to help one size up their year. I got really stuck on the question “Are you happier or sadder?” My initial answer was sadder. My year began with job woes, then breakup woes, then where am I going to live woes, then loneliness woes, sprinkle some dating woes, and mid-20s existential nonsense, and it was a rough year. I spent a lot of time crying. Way too much time crying.

But when I fully take stock of where I am now as opposed to where I was a year ago, I think I might actually be happier. I certainly feel as though I am on a better path. I’m finally in a job that feels worthwhile. I am pursuing my dreams with a new gusto. I have amazing friends, and I like my life right now. My trip to Seattle was a dream come true. My birthday was perfect. I’ve had wonderful experiences this year. Crazy, but I think I’m happier!

But still, 2011 can suck it! I am so ready for this new year, and I made TEN resolutions. If you think that’s a lot, check out Woody Guthrie’s list from 1942. I actually stole a couple of his.

1. Write Every Day—– In any form really. A rant in my journal, a blog post, poems, short story. This year I want to commit to making it a part of my daily life.
2. Meditate in the Morning—– I have very little control over the worry and the stress in my mind. I’ve read a lot about meditation, and it can help control thoughts and restore peace. So every day while I’m getting ready, I am going to force myself to have a clear mind.
3. Don’t gossip—– I started doing this a couple of months ago, but I want to completely commit to it. By this I mean saying nothing harmful about anybody… like ever. It’s poisoning to the soul. If it’s something I wouldn’t say to someone’s face, it’s not something I should say at all.
4. Exercise once a week—– Wishful thinking.
5. Cook once a week—– I love cooking for myself, saving money, eating a delicious meal. It’s just that life sometimes gets in the way.
6. Say yes more—– Fear took over my life last year, but I’m done being afraid to take the risks and just live my life. I also made this resolution years ago and had an incredible year doing things I never ever thought I’d have the courage to do. All by just saying yes.
7. Small assignments—– I get so worried about the big picture. This is completely useless. Compared to where I was a year ago, my life is completely different, and my plans are completely different. So it is useless to become overwhelmed by “the plan.” From now on I’m just going to take baby steps towards what I want and not panic when life leads me elsewhere.
8. Be here now—– This relates to the meditating and the small assignments. The past is past, and the future is unpredictable, so I just have to be happy in the moment and find home in the now.
9. Look good—– I often go to work in glasses, jeans, t-shirt, hair in a ponytail. Nothing wrong with that. But when I take the extra 10 minutes in the morning to do my hair, or put on some eyeliner, I feel so much more confident and ready for the day. So, why the hell don’t I do it more often?
10. Love everybody—– Pretty self-explanatory.

Oh, by the way, I LOVE YOU ALL!