This started as a list of resolutions, but that word seemed too restrictive and set up for failure. What follows is a kind of list of reminders and self-reflections of things I’ve learned that I want to continue cultivating in the new year and beyond. Almost all of them are insights shared with or challenges set by my wonderful Buddhist therapist over the past year, so it’s also a distillation of practical wisdom I’ve gathered that I want to remain mindful of and share with anyone who may need it as much as I do. My word of aspiration for the new year is “nourish.”
Wag more. Bark less.
“Eat [real] food, not too much, mostly plants.” (Michael Pollan)
Enjoy “everything in moderation, including moderation.” (Oscar Wilde)
Move my body. Enjoy it.
Get outside more.
Play more.
Laugh more.
Create more.
Explore more.
Read more.
Approach experiences with amusement and curiosity instead of expectation, apprehension, or indifference.
Make time for quality time with friends and family.
Make time for quality time alone.
Leave work at work and leave on time.
Say I’m sorry when it’s true.
Accept apologies with grace.
Treat myself and others with tenderness, wisdom, compassion, presence, and kindness.
Meditate.
Analyze only when necessary.
Let reality be reality.
Practice using a kind and quality “no.”
Practice using a kind and quality “yes.”
Remember, whatever “it” is isn’t worth my peace of mind, so just let it go.
Lean in to pain or fear and learn what its asking for.
Embrace the world and all of its incongruities–when the beauty or ugliness of life feel overwhelming, allow it to break me open instead of breaking me down.
Allow tears.
Check in with what’s real while observing my thoughts, emotions, and sensations, and allow my natural awareness and wisdom to arise for the situation at hand. What will nourish me in the moment? Do this as often as possible and without analyzing or judging.
Establish intentions instead of setting goals: aim toward experiences rather than clinging to particular outcomes.
Flow with the current instead of fighting or trying to control it. Steering isn’t the same as manipulating.
Remember it is as okay to feel anxious, sad, depressed, or angry as it is to feel confident, happy, elated, or calm–they are all temporary emotional energies that come and go like any other weather system–attaching myself to any of them only causes frustration, pain, and disappointment–Recognize them, Allow them, Investigate them with kindness, and remain Non-attached to them (RAIN).
Celebrate victories and honor losses.
Cultivate self-care.
Pay attention.
Break the rules once in a while.
Nourish.
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