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Thinking

The Dreaded New Year’s Resolution Post

A local writer friend of mine introduced a recent blog post by calling it  “the dreaded New Year’s resolution” post and, in the comments, I thanked him for taking one for the team.

I would have given just about anything to write “the dreaded New Year’s resolution” post this year. I’d have been especially grateful to give up the fever, the strep throat, the body aches, and the incessant coughing. My ribs haven’t felt like this since my sports car was rear-ended by a moving truck. Yes, my friends, apparently hanging around online with those erotica writers put me on Santa’s naughty list. Despite my focus on the business of writing and promotion, Santa brought me a big bag-o-yuck — something I would have cheerfully returned for store credit. It arrived the day after Christmas — eight days — and I haven’t even achieved boredom yet.

[bctt tweet=”Santa brought me a big bag-o-yuck — something I would have cheerfully returned for store credit” username=”AndreaPatten”]

Still miserable but no longer contagious, I insisted on going out for an hour for the island’s lighted shrimp drop. It’s a goofy, joyful celebration and I needed the updraft.

My family has been wonderful. They cooked and did laundry and enjoyed one another. They were great sports when, most nights, we chose a movie — and I was sound asleep before the second half. (And except for the Sooners v. Bulldogs in the Rose Bowl, the same held true for football.)

But I’ve wandered too far from my appreciation of Micah’s resolution post. (He did a good job — you should really read it.)

If you spend more than 2.5 minutes online, there is no way you can miss all the huzzah-huzzah about the new year. There are review questions, goal-setting advice, and, of course, your “word” or intention for the coming year. (And if you’re not careful, you can buy something to help make this all easier and more effective for you.)

[bctt tweet=”I love reviewing the ending year and trying different methods to map out the year to come.” username=”AndreaPatten”]

Generally speaking, the time between Christmas and the New Year is one of my favorites. I love reviewing the ending year and trying different methods to map out the year to come. And I may still try to devote some time to the process when my husband and son set out for a “guy trip” in a couple of days.  But, when I read my friend and fellow writer’s first post of the year, I had an important takeaway. Whatever we call it and however we do it, those clean slate rituals are nice but probably what matters more is my ongoing commitment to being a better human — whether for the new year or even for the rest of the day.

Let’s connect on social media.

16 Comments

  • micahward

    Thank you for the mention Andrea. I hope you are well in time for the next writers meeting. I’m not going to let you forget that you owe us a flash fiction!

  • rachelkieffer

    I stopped making resolutions years ago. I do like the feeling of a new year to reflect, set intentions and goals and readjust and realign my path, but it is an every day process for sure.

  • kelleygrimes

    So sorry you have been so sick Andrea. I always appreciate your perspective and especially resonate with this line, “Whatever we call it and however we do it, those clean slate rituals are nice but probably what matters more is my ongoing commitment to being a better human — whether for the new year or even for the rest of the day.” I totally agree and commit to spreading more love and kindness in the world today for the rest of 2018! I hope you feel better soon!

  • Leila

    A great post Andrea. New year resolutions are no longer a priority but intentional living.
    So sorry you have been sick. Get well soon

  • debraoakland

    Sorry Santa brought you a-bag-o-yuck Andrea. As far as commitments, I did the unthinkable – I went on a 2 month cleanse over the holidays. I feel like I completed my goal by the New Year as everyone was setting goals for better health and well-being after the holidays. I’m not bragging mind you! I received no end of grief over this, as I was not drinking or eating food I usually indulge in. I feels marvelous to be moving into 2108 with a clean body and a clean slate, ready to rock and roll! Happy New Year!!

  • barbparcellswritingalife

    It’s only because of the creation of the calendar that we even mark this time of year as new. Personally, I like to think of the beginning of a new year in September when the urge to go back to school and learn something new takes hold. I agree with you, though, that being the best we can be is a day-by-day challenge, not something we decide on once a year.

  • CK Kochis

    It’s nice to see the big bag-o-yuck didn’t affect your sense of humor, Andrea. I cannot remember the last time I created a list of New Year’s resolutions. Now that I think about it, I do believe it was rather lame, predictable and completely unfeasible. In all reality it was more like the list of shame since I copied the resolutions off of someone’s algebra test paper.

    I agree, those clean slate rituals are great ‘n all, but… this year I’m simply focused on this particular moment. Right now; right here.

    • Andrea

      It’s amazing what 96 consecutive hours of sleep can do for a person’s outlook! Actually, the year-end review and planning is a ritual I really enjoy. I frequently use an art process for it but right now? Present moment, all the way. Thanks for commenting.

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