As I settle into the new year after this extremely busy holiday season I realized that we are in the middle of January and I have not made, nor have I considered, what my goals will be for the upcoming year. So, I sat pondering the possibilities and came up with.........nothing.
Why it is that we humans are so enthusiastic about planning our own fate? Usually we have the same end result as the Mayan Calendar prediction as we find ourselves caught up in just another ordinary day because things didn't turn out the way we predicted. Exactly what is the point of establishing a New Year resolution anyway?. Is it just tradition or the fact that having a goal to work towards offers a sense of purpose? After giving it some thought, I decided that it is both. I also decided that I have too much time on my hands if I have time to sit pondering these nonsensical thoughts. I need to start getting out more.
Finally, I decided to make resolutions that are realistic, attainable, and simple. It is time to get back into exercising. In reality, my body will never be it's 20 year old self again so I resolved to just be more active and start enjoying the outdoor activities that I sacrificed when family obligations intervened. Walking my dogs more often, kayaking, or doing things I enjoy will get me back in shape. The ability to stick to my resolutions means setting goals that are both simple, fun, and are things to look forward to doing. After all, if it isn't fun...why do it?
My resolutions are to make more time for family and friends, to start participating in activities that I enjoy, to save more money for a trip, and to learn a new skill. Easy... Simple.... Attainable.
Recently, while cleaning out my mother's house, I came across a rock tumbler and a box of pretty rocks. I recalled that my mother had became interested in rocks and jewelry making some years ago. She joined the Gem and Mineral Society and I assumed that these items must have been part of her hobby. I took the tumbler and the box of rocks home with me and let my granddaughter help me look through them. She said, "Nana, can you save this one for me from your collection?" I looked at the rock she was holding and realized that this rock tumbler could address several of my resolutions. It is a project I can enjoy with my granddaughter, the rocks can be collected on nature walks, and it is a new skill that could actually be a lot of fun. There is the added benefit that these activities are not expensive plus my mother enjoys knowing that her hobby is being shared by future generations.
So for those of you with a resolution to spend more time at the gym to run on the treadmill after a long day at the office, you will find me hiking the hills, enjoying a bike ride, or paddling a kayak amongst beautiful scenery with friends as I collect rocks to bring home and polish with my sweet granddaughter.
It is already a very Happy New Year!
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