I stopped making specific new year's resolutions a few years ago, probably around the time I turned 50 and realized that the years march on regardless of my more-healthy diet or my vow to spend less time on my phone. Ideas for self-improvement float into my head year-round, and the restlessness has previously fed my need to stay busy, to do meaningful things, to deny myself rest. While these personality traits are difficult to shake, wisdom won through trying experiences has made me want to be resolute in the face of whatever comes, and not to make resolutions to make myself better for mysterious times ahead.
My friend Hana sent me this lovely poem by Donna Ashworth that expresses such sentiments better than I can, and I want to share it with you.
"On the stroke of midnight tonight,
You can resolve to be better, if you like...
To be fitter, to eat cleaner, to work harder.
On the stroke of midnight tonight,
You can resolve to become a
Whole new you, if you so choose.
Or, you can take a moment to acknowledge
All you already are,
Because it's a lot. You're a lot.
And you deserve to be commended.
On the stroke of midnight tonight,
Perhaps you could congratulate yourself
For coping, for breaking again,
And for rebuilding again.
For catching the stones
Life has thrown at you and using them
To build your castle that
Little bit stronger.
You have endured, my friend.
And I don't see the need to resolve
To become a whole new you,
When you are already so very much indeed.
Happy new year. You made it.
Now let us face another 365-day turn,
Arms wide, accepting and embracing
And 'seeing' each other
For all we are."
Happy New Year xxoo!
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