Seize, Celebrate, and Savor

Besides partying, it is traditional on New Year’s Eve to review the past year and make resolutions for the new one. Although reflecting on the past is interesting, I’ve always had trouble with the resolution part. I mean well at the time, but carrying out my pledge seems to get lost in the shuffle of everyday reality. Perhaps it is because my decrees are too unwieldy (lose 80 pounds), too general (don’t get diabetes), too negative (quit being a blob), or just plain too unrealistic (look and feel like I did at 20 by this summer).

To be honest, I don’t even try any more. I get tired of failing and so I set smaller goals for myself throughout the year whenever I manage to evoke an epiphany of some sort. The Advent and Lenten seasons help with that, as well, especially with reflection concerning who I am as a person. So, this year, as we slide quietly from 2009 into 2010, I am going to have a little fun with the traditional process.

Things I learned in 2009:
   Even at 55, I am still a daughter who can be chided for not cleaning the oven often enough and who is worried over when I am too quiet.
   Stoneware breaks explosively when left on a hot burner.
   First graders never forget what they experience.
   Love and respect in the classroom creates bridges, regardless of special needs.
   My house can store a lot of stuff.
   Even though I am often physically lazy, I still need to be mentally and creatively active to be happy.
   We never grow too old for wanting to please our parents.
   Laughter is still the best medicine.
   Not everything can be adequately explained or understood.
   A few good friends are better than a truckload of casual acquaintances.
   When living in doubt, my faith becomes a choice.
   Family is my foundation; when it’s broken, so am I.
   Keep both hands on the steering wheel for when those stray truck-size tire treads come rolling down the road.
   Mom is still drawn to standing in doorways when I want to come through.
   Life still hurts sometimes.
   I am socially inept, but extremely adept at waffling over decisions.
   I receive more joy than I give.
   A massage and a milkshake exponentially improve my attitude for a long time.

Things I want to be conscious of in 2010:
   Portion control: in food, material possessions, and self-indulgence.
   Laughing more.
   Enjoying Mom’s companionship and making her laugh.
   Self-expression.
   Savoring the moment.
   Smiling.
   Seeing beyond my boundaries and taking risks toward happiness.

My 2010 Mantra: Seize the moment, celebrate and savor.