Embracing the Cliché

Traditionally, I am VERY anti-trends.  The more people are doing something, the less I want to do it. 

I’m no Freud, but I suspect it has something to do with some deep seeded need to be DIFFERENT and AWESOME and ultimately kill myself fighting a battle against conformity that is unwinnable. 

And I’m finding that after 33 years of waging a war against an idea, I’m exhausted. 

I haven’t totally given up and started reading books about vampires, but I have bought riding boots and I *may* be wearing them with skinny jeans.  It’s all a result of this new thing I’ve been trying called Lowering My Expectations.  It’s part of the reason why I haven’t been blogging.  And definitely why this recent Christmas was the best in my adult life.

So I’m embracing the cliché of New Years Resolutions and making a list of things that I want to do for me.  And I’m not even going to worry about them being organized into a “theme” like I’ve done in the past.  (Deep breath)

1.  Give up my daily Dr Pepper ~ I’m all about All Things in Moderation, but the Dr Pepper habit is out of control and it’s time to give it up.

2.  Quit smoking – for realz ~ This is quite possibly the worst thing I could do for my health and my body made that loud and clear shortly after Christmas.

3.  Think before I speak ~ It dawned on me last week that some (read: many) of the words coming out of my mouth lately have not been entirely positive.  So I’m wearing a rubber band on my wrist and every time I complain (or snark) (or gossip), I move it to the other wrist as recognition that that is undesirable behavior. 

4.  Send loved ones birthday cards ~ The Internet is great and all but I’d like to send close family and friends birthday cards this year.  Like real, paper, handwritten birthday cards - with a stamp on them.

5.  Stop competing ~ This is a big one because somehow life became all about who can do it all and make it look the easiest.  I’ve recognized that this is not a competition I can (or want to) win and I’m tired of feeling bad about it so I’m not playing anymore.

Last year I spent a lot of time thinking about what I want for myself in the future.  I realized it’s actually pretty simple.  I want to be happy, healthy, and giving.  And even if I don’t execute these resolutions 100%, I know that my life will be better for trying.  So, no pressure, no deadlines, just me trying to better myself.