Resolutions - There's A Revolution!

I was discussing with some friends the idea of New Year's resolutions. I generally don't make resolutions, but I do like to write down some ideas, goals and inspirations that I want to keep in mind - perhaps those are resolutions after all. It seems there is a new revolution of which I was not aware - the "do away with new year's resolutions." Self improvement is now discouraged, accepting yourself warts and all, that is the new thing - only it's called being satisfied. Wow, what a concept! But is this really new? I mean, did people not know this? And should your goal/resolution, whatever - because that's what it is, be satisfaction? Shouldn't you just look at your life and say, all is well, I'm good? Keep moving along, living, being. laughing, crying, napping, whatever?


Well, excuse me, but I already have been there. Most people don't get through January without breaking those resolutions. Case in point - several years ago, I made a pact with a friend, a resolution at the end of December that beginning in the new year we would not buy any new cross stitch charts - if you cross stitch, you understand this completely, if not, no amount of explaining will help! In our utter and complete naivety, we really thought it was possible. On January 15 I came across The Blueberry Sampler - a border of blueberries, a house, a garden, a sun and moon - oh my!!! I sent the link to the sister-in-resolution. We ordered the chart on January 16th. Of course, we were not heartbroken or disgusted with ourselves or filled with self-loathing, as so many people seem to be when they break their resolutions. We thought, and still do to this day, that it was hysterically funny. In fact, I would go so far as to say we were... proud, we told everyone we know and continue to do so!!! What true stitchers we are, of course we couldn't resist that sampler. Oh - the sampler is still only half done - so what? Someday it will get done and sit with the pile of stuff that needs framing - I don't have any wall space left!!!


Here's the thing, if you want to make resolutions, lists of goals and ways to improve yourself - oh dear, that's another nit-picky thing, you are just fine as you are and don't need improving! OK - lots of people go overboard with the self-improvement goals, so knock yourself out if that's your choice. But be gentle with yourself too. We ARE good, all is well, most of the time - after all, into each life a little crap must fall. That crap will make you stronger, honestly, you will get on. Making resolutions and breaking them is just human, it will not destroy your life - unless you allow it to. Actually, I would go so far as to say that breaking resolutions is a tradition! That being said, many people stick to some and are very pleased and change their lives for the better - most just go about their lives and make new ones on the next new year.


I think having some resolutions or goals is not a sin, in fact it gives you a little kick in the pants to go forth and be what you can. Just don't over do it or take it too seriously and all will be fine. And if you break your resolution - laugh, shake your head and look at how wonderful you are - because we all are wonderful in all our imperfections. Then, just move on along, take the next step, make a new list or adjust the old one - or burn it! Whatever makes you happy. There's the point, be happy, because, really, I promise you, there is so much to be happy about.


Blessings nine1