I am not a fan of resolutions. For some reason they always disappoint. I forget that one goal I made for myself one day, one week, or one month. Then, in my perfectionist mind, it all falls apart. Why bother?
And yet at the beginning of 2016 I found myself in an inner debate on what resolution I should make. How will I make this year different than all the past years? Because at the beginning of this year, 2016, I was desperate for change: I turn 40 in October, I was in a rut and wanted to find a way out.
So I did what every 30 something girl does when she needs inspiration- I went to Pinterest and searched “Change”, “New Year”, “Resolution” and every combination possible. What came up were not ideas- but quotes:
And on and on they came up in my feed. Some of them I had pinned before, some of them were new to me. But in then end- it all added up to what I decided to do for 2016. 2016 was not going to be about a resolution it was going to be about a revolution. Instead of doing what I normally would do (or what I have always done)- I decided to change.
What does that mean?
Each day I try to do what I normally would not do. If a day or two go by and I feel like I haven’t done anything- I think of anything that breaks up the monotony of my life. Sometimes the change is big- like giving my hairdresser free reign to do whatever she wanted (I am now blonde- and love it!). But sometimes it is smaller- like having insomnia and being awake at 4:30 in the morning. Normally I would read or watch TV but one day I got up and ran 9 miles before 8 am. It felt amazing.
So far this year some of the things I have done include:
- Makeover!
- The last time I had my make up done I was in my 20s and in college. If you ever need to feel refreshed- schedule an appointment and be pampered. My recommendation- give the artist free reign! They know what they are doing!
- Wrote my own knitting pattern
- This did not turn out great- but each weekend I go back and try different things.
- Took a day off work and ran a 5K with a friend.
- I bought myself flowers.
- Starting writing a blog (SEE!)
- Spoke up honestly and professionally at a business meeting.
- In a time when I try to say the correct, political thing- which can lead too me using too many words- I was able to find the balance of being political and honest to get my message heard. It wasn’t an easy moment for me- but I did it!
- Ran a marathon relay with an amazing group of friends on Valentine’s Day.
- Made real homemade soup for my parents!
- Wore my hair wavy in public.
- Applied for and got a new job at my company!
- This was by far the hardest thing I have done professionally. I was doing great at my job and had a great teammate/partner in crime but I dreaded going to work at times. Work was feeling comfortable, easy and it wasn’t challenging me. I could have stayed in the position and “coasted” through work for a year or two- but that isn’t me. I need a challenge- so I went for it and start April 1st! (The pessimist Karen isn’t reading too much into starting a new job on April Fools Day- which is something new for me too!).
The list goes on and on! At the end of the day I reflect back and write down what I did. The notes are put in my “Change Jar” – which is placed predominately in my room. It reminds me every day to really think of what I can do differently- and that it doesn’t need to be something big- it can be something small because:
“Little by little, a little becomes a lot.” – Tanzanian Proverb
Congratulations!!! These are amazing feats and I applaud you! You are inspiration to me!! love you girl!