New Year’s Resolutions

I’m not really a New Year’s Resolution kind of gal. Gasp! I know, right?

I do think that making resolutions to change your life for the better are to be applauded, especially if you follow through. I just don’t subscribe to the “do it because the calendar says you should” mentality. Be a rebel! Make your resolution any ol’ time you want!

Now, if I was going to make a resolution or two for the new year. I think they would fall somewhere along these lines:

Resolution #1: Spend more time enjoying the view – especially ones with palm trees.

Life is so busy. In the rush to get from place to place by a certain time while mentally reviewing your grocery list and answering a myriad of off-the-wall questions from a 4-year-old, you can forget to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. The beauty in the everyday. At least, I do.

It’s amazing how taking 2 seconds out of my day to appreciate what’s around me – from nature to a loving exchange between my children – can really boost my mood. Also, I think it is worth repeating, palm trees definitely boost my happy-meter off-the-charts!

Resolution #2: Spend more time relaxing and being active. The two really can go hand-in-hand. Trust me.

Playing in the water with my kids, going for family hikes, even the time I spend alone running on the treadmill while watching Netflix can be relaxing. Yesterday I tried stand-up paddle boarding for the first time. It was crazy fun! My legs were quivering when I was done!

Sure, there’s physical exertion, but when you’re having fun doing it – it gives your mind a break from all that’s going on around you. From the endorphins to the lowered blood pressure, it’s much easier for me to face my day head-on with a little bit more grace when regular activity is part of my lifestyle.

Resolution #3: Do what makes you happy – even if that means rolling in the sand.

Life is demanding. People depend on us. But if you don’t carve out a little time to do something that makes you happy, well, you’re going to be pretty darn miserable. The older I get, the more I think we should indulge our inner 4-year-old every once in awhile and just do something that makes us blissfully happy, even if it makes sense to no one else.