Write resolutions? Absolutely not. Zero interest. If coming up with resolutions is required to appropriately enter 2016, then I'm taking a flying backflip into July of last year.
It's not that I don't intend to grow. Or reach. Or love bigger and hopefully better. I can't wait to finish splitting wood for the season and get out on my paddleboard. But wherever I go, there I am. I find I like me, unapologetically, as it turns out. I like how my life is going. Okay, so maybe one of my holdovers from my childhood experiences is to not tempt fate, but as I contemplated the societal norm here (one must make resolutions for the coming year) my rebellion was thorough.
I'm a list maker of the highest water. I confess to adding something to a list after I've finished the task, just for the satisfaction of marking it off -- oh, and feeling virtuous about having done it. There are others who do this. You know who you are.
I've even made those resolution lists: Work out seven days a week. Write friends more. Make X much money. Meditate more. Fix better lunches for my kids. Smile when I sit through a month's worth of Karate classes in a week. Do not be irritated at the 80-year-old dear who challenges us whippersnappers in choir with her pitch. Think up something new and special every night for dinner. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Instead, I took a mental meander back over my year. 2015. A good year. Using a vineyard by way of example, my year lived on the right side of the slope, took in the right amount of rain and sun, got pruned effectively, was protected from frost and pestilence, and the grapes were harvested at the right time. I mean, I even had both my children and their children under my roof for Christmas. Does it get better than that?
Bring 2016 on. I'm excited at so many levels for the promise it holds. I have a book being released, am able to talk to and with people who are supported knowing they're not alone, I have family and friends I love and enjoy. The other stuff? Eh, we'll deal.
As songwriter Phyllis Molinary put it, "May all your storms be weathered, and all that's good get better. Here's to life, here's to love, here's to you." With anticipation and hope, here's to 2016.
Let the adventure begin!
Laura Landgraf is an author, activist, speaker and survivor. Laura would love to hear from you at: www.lauralandgraf.com