Somewhere along the way, I aged. I turned 37 amidst the planning for our younger child’s 3rd birthday, in the post-holiday fog that so often consumes the few days after New Year’s, when we’re all still trying to remember what year it is.
Back before I became the incredibly intelligent, knowledgeable, self-actualized person that I am today, back in the bacholorette, kid-free years, I would make my resolutions on New Year’s and then BREAK most of them and then some for my birthday celebration. You know, the usual: I resolve to consume less alcohol. I resolve to work out more often. I resolve to eat less chocolate. I resolve to NOT pass out on the bathroom floor. And then January 5 comes along, and I would break every damn resolution and probably a few laws as well. Of course, the disappointment would set in, the self condemnation.
Now, in the wisdom that I’ve acquired since those days, I make my resolutions AFTER my birthday. After I eat too much chocolate cake and go through the rest of the holiday candy. This year, there was a whole lot of candy to get through, so I’m getting to them a little late!
Resolutions, Terry 37
Artistic: I will take more photos of things that aren’t my children. I will take a drawing class, as I have a natural talent for drawing that I have never pursued. I will knit more. I will create things with my hands and give them as presents. I will write more, and I will submit something I wrote for publication.Social: I will go out dancing. I will drag my spouse out of the house on weekends and bring out the extrovert hidden within. I will meet new friends. I will communicate better with existing friends and nurture the special relationships I’ve made over the years. I will connect with that exuberant part of myself that thrives on being in the midst of friends and community.
Health: I will work on improving my cardiovascular health. I will continue strengthening my knees and my back. I will seek out alternative, homeopathic solutions to health challenges for myself and my family. I will implement a healthier meal strategy for my family that takes into account all our dietary limits and needs. And, yes, I will eat less chocolate, damn it. The chocolate that I *DO* eat will be quality. I will focus on moderation, yet still indulge in the things that I love.
Family: I will plan more family outings to take advantage of the recreational opportunities available here in North Carolina. I will communicate more patiently and lovingly with my family of origin, and I will try to increase the frequency of my visits and phone conversations with my family of origin and with my parents in law
Marital: I will nurture and grow my relationship with my husband. I will try to better influence his health and nutritional choices. I will give him space to do the things that make him happy, even if doing so makes me feel lonely.
Vision: I will keep looking at the world differently. I will read more alternative press. I will vote my heart and my conscience.
Spiritual: I will broaden my knowledge base and continue down the spiritual pathways that resonate most deeply with me. I will celebrate the different way I approach all things spiritual and try not feel guilt or apprehension when confronted with someone with more mainstream beliefs.
