New Years, Schmoo Nears—A Resolutions Rant

Why is it that the second a New Year rolls around, everyone is all up-in-arms about improving their life and creating some ridiculous checklist advocating for change, condemning the previous year as a failure and vowing “this year will be different.” Why the hell do we do that to ourselves? No wonder we’re a depressed society. We fail every year, and set ourselves up for failure every time.

I won’t make a list of “resolutions” – as if I’m resolving to fixing “that thing” that’s wrong with me I’ve overlooked the year(s) prior. I vow to create an unresolutions list. (Unresolutions? Anti-resolutions? Hmm. Have to think on the term, here.)

I believe in the goal to become a better person. I believe that there are healthy ways to attain such goals. I do not, however, feel that it should be every January 1^st simply because a new year has begun. If you want to change, change when YOU are ready. March 19^th? October 2^nd? In other words, when you’re damn good and ready to begin the aforementioned change.

You know, maybe, just maybe, instead of “resolutions” we should have “reflections” – why don’t we look back on the previous year with fondness for what we’ve achieved instead of what we’ve failed?

Here’s mine:

• In 2010, with six kids and a jam-packed minivan, we successfully traveled thirteen states for our summer trip, and attended a blogging conference while having one awesomesauce vacation.
• In 2010, my children played a myriad of sports, and my oldest son had a perfect football season – they were undefeated. It was his first tackle football season ever.
• In 2010, my middle son and I were cleared health-wise for not having cancer. (Talk about something to celebrate!)
• In 2010, I survived many times flying parentally solo while my husband had to travel away for Army business.
• In 2009, I successfully lost 30 lbs. In 2010, I lost 10 more, taking my total lost to 40lbs. I took my fitness and health by the balls and wrangled that sucker in a full-nelson to the ground. 2011 will be a year I will be in the best health/fitness-level of my life.
• In 2010, I was more successful in writing/blogging than any previous year.
• In 2010, I was asked to join Momicillin. It’s been happily ever after ever since.

As for 2011 and my anti-resolutions? It’s pretty simple – love my children, love my husband, my family and friends, and to not take anyone or anything for granted. It’s always worked for me, why change it now?