To live in the present and not worry about the future, nor dwell on the past.
That is my new year's resolution. It's what I say when people ask what I resolve to do in 2011, and then look at me, like, "ok...you're cool," when I respond. But, I don't care, because it's the truth. I have a tendency to worry and dwell, and I'm finally admitting it. As a matter of fact, I feel happier in 2011 already because I am working so hard on my resolution. There is no need to worry about that which I cannot change, nor dwell on what has already happened.
As a mother, a wife, and a fairly new resident to Charlotte, it is very easy to put everybody else's needs before my own. As Dante, in his Divine Comedy, writes, " Take henceforth your pleasure as your guide." I plan to do just that.
Real Simple magazine wrote several articles in their 2011 issue on exactly this. In her article, The History of Happiness, Marcia Menter writes, " ...even a short life is a very long journey, and we all need provisions for the trip. We need good food, good stories, and people to share them with. We need a sense of proportion and a sense of the absurd. We need to have as good a time as we can, because, otherwise, what's the point?"
Taken from that Real Simple article, here are my 9 mantras for 2011:
1.) "Chill out": colder temperatures boost your mood. I resolve to breathe it in...
2.)"Remember whence you came": I resolve to surround myself with nostalgic momentos and pictures so that I can always remember my history.
3.) "Don't dwell": it's just negative energy that soaks up my mental clarity. I resolve to move on.
4.)"Spread the wealth": I resolve to "treat" others more often
5.) "Eat a snack around 2pm": More afternoon energy? Yes, please!
6.) "Get a move on": I resolve to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week.
7.)"Limit your options": I resolve to be less indecisive.
8.) "Start baking" (i.e. learn something new): I resolve to expand my horizons. I'm taking a 4-week course on Modern dance!
9.) "Make your bed": Author Gretchen Rubin says, "People are happier when everyday tasks in their lives are complete." I resolve to make my bed, clean out my closet, and organize our house.
The happiness I have in life comes from the people I love, and who love me. I am so lucky to have my parents nearby, a loving, patient, and proactive husband, friends who I am finally feeling comfortable with, and the most adorable, loving, attentive, and patient-for-a-one-year-old son. Happiness comes from all of these things, but it's when they are taken for granted that you try to find something else. I know how fortunate I am. That is why I am not worrying or dwelling. I am staying in the present and taking each day as it comes...And, I am happy.
After littering the living room floor with wrapping paper, playing with all his new toys, and eating our traditional hot cinnamon roll Christmas breakfast, Connor was pooped, and so were we. It was time for a cartoon and relaxing.This kind of prolonged cuddling is very rare, so I took it while I could!
