Hello to 2018: Be a Resolutionary

Happy New Year to you all!  I got up this morning and put the black eyed peas on the stove, then sat down to write out my 2018 resolutions.  This has never been a habit for me, but this year I thought it would be an interesting exercise as I’ve been onto this mindfulness kick for 13 months now.  I couldn’t get into it, though.  Trying to make a list that said, “I will…work out more” or “I won’t…swear as much” (whatever) just wasn’t working.  Every time I’ve tried the whole resolution thing in the past, it has failed miserably, but I’m not sure how to make it more successful.

As I sat on the couch, I realized I was berating myself for not knowing what my goals were…then I got mad at myself for being critical of myself… then I forgave myself for not having goals…then I questioned myself again, and realized the word “GOALS” wasn’t what I wanted to focus on.  Nice internal conversation, huh?  So I reset myself and decided to word my list with more self-compassion, and I gave myself an INVITATION  to spoil myself.  Here’s my list:

Spoil yourself with…

More liquids (non-alcoholic)

More sleep

More veggies you like

More dancing and music

More outside time

More time with quality friends

More acts of kindness

More curiosity

Looking at that list, it seems more inviting, doesn’t it?  Instead of tasks that must be accomplished or I fail, I’m going to try to invite myself to indulge in something that will make me feel great.

The last 13 months have been interesting regarding mindfulness, resiliency, this website, and those brave, curious people that have read anything here, added anything, suggested something, or just stopped by.  What’s interesting is I heard a lot of “I can’ts” to begin with.

“I can’t sit still with my mind blank for 10 minutes.”

“I can’t stop planning for the future just to be in the moment…why would I do that?”

“I can’t get into that touchy feely stuff.”

“I can’t meditate.  The voices in my head are too loud.”

And so on…but as luck (and science, and skill, and intent) would have it, YOU CAN.  We all can, if we have the honest intention to do so.

So, for those of us that are planners, schedulers, thinkers-of-the-future, calendar watchers, list-makers, and preparers, here’s a 2018 Mindfulness calendar from The Greater Good Science Center which gives you something to read, listen to, and/or reflect upon each day.  Check it out, and enjoy the plethora of resources this tool provides…I’m excited to use it myself!  I needed someone to make a list for me, and GGSC has done it.

Also, I invite you to let go of 2017.  So hard to do depending on how you thought 2017 went, isn’t it?  Believe me, I had a list (of course) of people from 2017 I either wanted to adopt or assassinate…it was an intense year, and one not so easily dismissed.   Head over to our Meditation page at Smiling Science Alliance, and listen to a great 10-minute meditation for moving on.  It’s time to embrace 2018 with honest, authentic intention…

what do you intend to do in 2018?  Let us know.  We support you!  Take care and until soon, keep smiling!

nici@smilingscience.com

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