Happy New Year! Another decade has come and gone!
As I begin my 5th decade, I am excited to announce that this year I have NO resolutions! Yep, no resolutions! I’m not going to say that I will lose 10 pounds, I’m not putting running a marathon on my list, and I’m not putting a variety of projects on a list that may or may not actually get done. Not doing it. Now this is a scary proposition for me. Usually by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, I have already gone over my resolutions and have planned them all out. It feels strange, yet freeing. Weird. I’m a planner and I like to control things; however, this year I am approaching the fresh start that comes with a new year with a different point of view.
Maybe it has to do with my 40th birthday being exactly 2 months away as I write this, but I feel like my heart is wanting a change of perspective this new year. Instead of resolutions, I’ve made myself a few mantras to follow in 2020 inspired by a collection of experiences from recent years, both good and bad.
Mantra #1
Make my health a priority. What good am I to my boys and my family if I am out of sorts? I had a few mobility issues this past year and it was awful! I want to be healthy, mobile and agile for years to come! So this means making consistent, healthy choices throughout the year in both food and exercise. If something doesn’t feel right, then I will go to the doctor in a timely manner {lesson learned in 2019}!
Mantra #2
Nourish relationships. Life gets busy. Nourish them anyway. Maybe this means going out to dinner or to coffee with a friend. Maybe it means putting the kids to bed early in order to spend quality time with your significant other. Maybe it means dropping everything and heading over to help a neighbor in need. Maybe it means forgiving or being forgiven. There are so many ways to do this. But life is not meant to be done alone, so I am going to make the time to nourish relationships, new and old.
Mantra #3
Get outside. I need sunshine, light and fresh air to recenter and refocus. Recently, my family and I have been exploring different Texas State Parks as well as local hiking trails. We discovered the Houston Arboretum a few months ago and it as become one of my local faves. When our kids were younger, we used to go to Memorial Park all the time for a jog or walk. When and why did we stop? I love that we have been rediscovering these hikes as a way of life and look forward to exploring more this year. And it is so simple to do.
Mantra #4
Pray more. Be intentional. Focus. Gratitude. Maybe not all at the same time. I am like the energizer bunny and my attention goes from A to B to C very quickly. But I know that I am able to do these things because I have done it in the past. And life just feels better when I do. Maybe stop and smell the roses. Hang for a while. Take it all in. Give thanks.
Mantra #5
If it doesn’t serve you, then you don’t need it. Maybe this one is a little Marie Kondo-ish in the if it sparks joy department but it rings true in my head. This goes for stuff. And maybe even for people. It’s a hard one the people one. But I’d love to focus on more experiences and less material things.
These are my rules to live by in 2020. They are not SMART. Not specific, or measurable. They are attainable and realistic but not necessarily time bound. But they’re the result of different life experiences and reflect how I want to live in 2020.
What are your mantras for 2020?
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