We are fast approaching the new year, which usually brings the tradition of making a resolution.
That’s right, the dreaded New Year’s Resolution. When we all promise ourselves to lose weight, manage our money or quit a nasty habit. But for me, I don’t make any promises when ringing in the new year. It’s not that I don’t want to better myself, but I also don’t want to set myself up for failure either.
Now, I am not saying I quit easily. In fact, for anyone who know me well, knows that I can be quite stubborn when push comes to shove. What I am saying is that I know how life can get, running with kids and appointments, having an arm length list of things that need to be done around the home, or even just getting out to pick up groceries. Life happens, which ends up putting those resolutions to the bottom of the priorities list, never to be seen again until the next New Year’s Eve.
You may be thinking, so Azure, you have never set a New Year’s Resolution ever? Well, yes, I have. And I have had success for the first month or so. But like I said, life gets in the way. Then I feel guilty afterwards when I didn’t accomplish what I had originally set out to do. This tends to lead me to a bit of a depression as I consider this a hit in my self-confidence.
So, what do I do instead of a New Year’s resolution? I wake up each morning, telling myself today that I will strive to do better. There are days that I snack on too many chips or drink too much coffee, but for me I strive for balance. I do not eat or drink that way daily or I may feel more energetic one day where I can get my list of household chores done. But if I don’t just one day, that’s okay for me, as I have how many more days ahead of me that I am able to accomplish what I need to.
I have also started to reflect on my days. There are times I replay situations and conversations I had throughout the day, asking myself if I could have said or done something different to help a person or settle a disagreement. I know I cannot change how others react, yet I am still able to control how I handle positive and negative interactions. I always try to be a better human from day to day.
We are all human and we all make mistakes. Sometimes we say the wrong thing, making us look foolish. There are times we have to back track our words and apologize for how what we said sounded to others around us. Yet by making those amends, we have just fulfilled the daily resolution of trying to be a better person.
Regardless, if you feel that you need to make a resolution to improve your health, reduce the stress in your life or to make your family life a priority, then go for it. Nobody is stopping you from living your life. I just hope you have the best year ever and fulfill your personal promises.
