New Year's Resolutions Good & Bad

I was looking over my post from last New Year's Eve (Personal Resolutions) and although I still stand by the concept of New Year's "philosophies," I have a new perspective. I've never been much for making resolutions at New Year's, but something completely unforeseen happened to me this past year and through that my new business, crabulous fine art, was born. It has a lit a fire under me like nothing else ever has and I have a mammoth list of "resolutions," or as I prefer to think of it, goals, for 2012.

I guess it's only natural to make such lists at the beginning of a new year; out with the old, in with the new. But I think it's important to distinguish between resolutions and wishes. Good resolutions ought to be things over which we have control as opposed to wishes which depend on luck. For instance, losing 10 pounds or quitting smoking are good resolutions because a person actually can control the outcome of those things (believe it or not). But one really can't "resolve" to fall in love (or, conversely, have someone fall in love with you) or win the Lotto. Those things are completely out of one's control.

And it's important to be specific. "I'm going to exercise for 30 minutes everyday" is much more tangible and beneficial than "I'm going to join a gym." 

But the absolute best resolutions are the ones where you resolve to spend more time doing the things you love. Whether it's a hobby or spending more time with loved ones, make a list and be specific about how much time you want to spend on these things or with these people. Life is about living and loving and it's too short to spend beating ourselves over the heads about our shortcomings. Make loving yourself and loving your life your number one resolution for 2012.

Happy New Year!