As the year comes to an end, we all start making resolutions!

We list what we'll do differently when the clock strikes twelve, from eating less junk food to exercising more. Cleaning out closets, organizing our homes, looking for new interests, and the list goes on.

However, once we pass the heady thrill of newness, the year gets underway, we fall back into ruts, and many of those resolves take a back seat to the comfortable path we're already on; change is difficult!

In all of this, I started thinking how much more intelligent kids are than us, know-it-all adults. When you tell a little child to do something, they always ask, "why?". Our automatic response is, "because I said so!".

Slowly but surely (thanks to grown-ups), we become immune to asking questions and just go through the motions.; because somewhere in our psyche, we hear "because someone said so." Until eventually, we're doing things with no real rhyme or reason!

So this year, instead of simply making a list of mindless resolutions. I'm digging deeper, asking myself WHY? Why are those changes I plan to make important to me? Is it out of habit - new year, so I have to think of improvements like everyone else does. Or am I selectively focused on how those changes will make my life better.

For example…

I want to get in better shape. Why? I'll feel and look better.

I want to be in a relationship. Why? I want someone in my life who's there for me (as I'll be there for him). To love and laugh and partner with through the good and bad.

I want to try my hand at acting (bit parts a face in a crowd is fine). Why? To fulfill a dream since childhood, the thought of which still makes me tingle.

I want to become a successful author. Why? My passion is for writing, and I (selfishly) want my work to be appreciated. I want my words to provide readers with joy!

There are also some items that I knee-jerked to add to the list, but after asking myself why, I discarded them!

For example…

Go to Starbucks less often. I work remotely (not because of COVID, it's how my job has been for eight years). Why do I want to remove an activity I enjoy that separates my workday from leisure time where I re-set my brain and enjoy reading or writing while I sip my coffee!

Go to bed earlier. I'm a night person. It's when my creative juices and energy flow. As long as I wake up in time to fulfill my responsibilities, why should I try to re-set my clock!

Spend less time on social media. Why do I feel the time I enjoy participating with humanity in a way that is the norm, something I need to curtail? It's not only about connection. It's also a way I alleviate stress, build an audience (refer to my author goal), and it provides an opporu8tnity to write when I don't have time to work on my books.

Last but not least… after we figure out our WHY? We need to set in motion intentional realistic plans toward the goal. More than just saying an open-ended "I want to"!

For my why's above, it will be to set aside a specific thirty minutes or so each day to walk or exercise. To join dating sites, local activities, get into the world more (once COVID gives us a break) where there's a chance to meet eligible men. As my kids say, they won't fall through my roof. LOL. Get a headshot and apply to auditions. Hone my writing skills and finish my current WIP, as well as two more waiting in the wings.

No matter what it is, you choose to change, or even if you decide to leave your life as is, do it for yourself. As the year progresses, whether you add new goals or remove ones that no longer suit you, do them all with a purpose that answers WHY?

Wishing you all a safe and healthy New Years Eve!

This free site is ad-supported. Learn more
​