Right before the new year arrives, there is a feeling that sets in almost bullying some to make some new year resolutions. First off, I find it mean thinking that people aren’t content and happy with their life, that there always needs to be improvement. Maybe I am satisfied with the life I have; the exercise I do (or don’t do); the food I eat. Either way, I decided to make a list of resolutions I will NOT make.
I’m not going to stress myself out with joining reading challenges/blog challenges. Nope, I’m not going to! I love to read and am always up for a challenge, but in these instances I feel as if I am setting myself up for failure. I feel like I need to rush through books (some I really like and want to take the time to digest/ingest them) or chastise myself because I missed two days of the current blog challenge. No more stress. I am going to enjoy reading and enjoy blogging – my two favorite past times. No strings attached.
I’m not going to be a short order cook for the littles. Nope, not me! Each of my boys are particular when it comes to meal choices. And of course they don’t like the same things. Once in a while we strike gold when they both agree on pizza, but that is far and few between! I grew up eating what my mom placed in front of me or packed in my lunch box. Of course, she took into consideration that I despised liver, but for the most part I ate what was given to me. Sorry guys!
I’m not giving up my naps. Heck no! One luxury I have afforded myself since I work from home is the occasional nap. I get up early and 9 times out of 10 am up late, usually working. That cat nap in the middle of the day energizes me. Love me some nap time!
I am not going to compare myself to others – I don’t have time. I almost did this exact thing this morning and my husband cut me off. I am who I am because of the energy and time I put into my work, family, and free time. I have so many wonderful things swirling around me that I should not afford the time of oogling over what other people are doing. Done.
I’m not going to try to be on trend – make myself crazy with fashion. My bank account is very happy with this one! I love fashion. I especially love being on trend but have come to the realization that I need to focus my energy and dollars on other more important and less materialistic items then the latest hot handbag. (It hurt to write that.) I’m not going to completely cut myself off, but I will reassess before handing over the plastic.
OK, I’ve poured out everything I am not doing. Now’s the time to exclaim what I am doing. I am going to be me. I am going to continue to appreciate what I have and embrace change and newness that comes my way. What about you? I’d love to hear!
Susaniiiii says
It was good to read your blog. I am so proud of you and who you are.
Megan Tan says
Loves your “5 not going to”, this year choose to be yourself and be at proud of it.
Dana says
Agreed, Megan! I am so glad you liked my post!!
georgia boanoro says
I love your post! My favourites are “I am not going to compare myself to others” and “I’m not going to try to be on trend”
Dana says
I am so glad you like the post, Georgia! Happy New Year!
Joan Cajic says
I’m with you on the following trend part whereby it will literally drive me crazy for no particular reason, if I want a t-shirt and jeans so be it and nobody can tell me nothing.
Jay Colby says
I love your sentiment in this post especially when said you are not giving up naps this year. I understand completely because I love naps myself and won’t be giving them up.
Tee Vaughn/curlywhippedtee says
I loved this read. Made me start thinking about all the things I’m “not giving up”. 🙂
Dana says
Thanks, Tee! 🙂
Rosemary says
Not making resolutions is a good thing! Several years ago I resolved not to make any more resolutions, and I have stuck to it.
Dana says
Good for you, Rosemary! I am sure you are much happier now too!
Rose says
We do need to appreciate who we are and what we have done. The good things shouldn’t be ignored. I plan on doing a little more for me, appreciating myself and I will be reading some books, lol.
Farrah Less G. says
This year I made no resolutions but instead I remind myself to let go things and move forward i i want to be happy. Stay active and engage to nature more.
Dana says
I like that you are going to move forward and stay active – both healthy for both the body and mind!
Amber says
I don’t do resolutions either. I would never give up naps! I don’t take them every day, but once in a while I need one to be refreshed. I don’t compare myself to others either.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
I don’t do resolutions either. I set mini goals each month. That way I can plan for whatever may be coming up.
corinne & kirsty says
I so get you! I never make good resolutions because I never stick to them. I just live in the moment and plan or make goals when I feel like it
Amber Stanfield says
I love this list! I made a similar resolution in that I plan to buy more basics, that work for me and my body type, rather than jumping on trend bandwagons. And I agree, we can all use more naps!
Aditi Kulkarni says
Great post! I found it interesting how you have decided to keep some things the way they are, while consciously choosing not to do others. Wishing you the best for 2018!
Dana says
Thank you, Aditi! I wish you all the best for 2018! 🙂
Sarah Bailey says
OK I am going to join you on the not giving up taking naps! They are there to stay as well!
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
I make plans and try to keep my plans. As in life, plans change and plans are cancelled. That way I don’t feel like I failed.
Patricia-Ann Que says
i like the last one I’m not going to try to be on trend – make myself crazy with fashion. im always crazy about fashion but guess what they come and go! and the old good classics never go out of trend, it is all about being comfortable and attitude!
Heidi says
I love this! I am not going to resolve to be skinny, but I am going to work to get a little more healthy. I am not going to try to be super mom, but I am going to be a better mom.
shubham mahajan says
I agree with you. Do what your heart says.
Dana says
🙂
Laurence says
I don’t do these resolutions either. haha. I just do what makes me happy. And, I won’t be able to make the reading challenges, eve if I want to 😀
Dana says
Good for you, Laurence!! 🙂
Fatima Torres says
Comparing yourself to others is dangerous. Always focus on your goals instead.
Dana says
You are so right, Fatima! Dangerous is a great word to describe it because when you do compare, you get caught up in this spiraled craziness and you don’t focus on what’s most important.
Anosa Malanga says
Indeed a great way to start the year. Stop comparing yourself to other instead living the life you just want to and just enjoy and have fun with your life.
Amila Wickramarachchi says
I am happy to read these.I agree with your idea about challenges.I also don’t join with blog challenges simply because of the stress…But,I enjoy blogging as a way of expressing my self leisurely and freely.
Dana says
I feel the same way about blogging, Amila!
Susi says
I love this and feel very much the same way. As i get older I’m coming to the conclusion more and more that in the big scheme of things it doesn’t matter what others think and we need to do what’s right for us and our families. Have a wonderful 2018!
Dana says
I couldn’t agree with you more, Susi! I wish you a wonderful 2018 as well!
Karen Morse says
Love the reverse idea behind this resolution vibe. And yes to not worrying about what others think. But that’s a tough one, right?
Colleen says
I. Love. This. So. Much! I never make resolutions anymore, and these are definitely ones to stay away from. It’s all about forward progress, not an arbitrary finish line.
Dana says
I’m so glad you love this Colleen!
melissa chapman says
So many smart ideas to make your life easier not harder with crazy resolutions. It is so smart to care for yourself first then you can work on and help all the others in the family.
Heather says
I love these! I won’t be making any of those new year resolutions either.
Danyelle Medina says
Well said! I’m tired of being a short order cook! I refuse to stop my naps, my kids are grateful for it.
Dana says
Danyelle, I am sure the kids are grateful for the naps. A happy momma = a happy family 😉
Theresa says
I love this! I am not making any resolutions this year. I am just taking a go with the flow and see what happens attitude. I especially love your not comparing yourself to others. That’s something I’ve been guilty of in the past, but no more!
Catalina says
I love your point of view and your New Year resolution! I haven’t have time to think about mine yet!
Tami Qualls says
Giving up naps would only reduce your productivity, so keeping them is a smart move. I get up early before the kiddo to get a lot of my work done. That afternoon nap is a key to survival for me.
Matt Taylor says
Dana, that is a cool way of looking at New Year’s Resolutions. I haven’t thought about what I am going to do yet. For 2019, I made a goal of making 3 YouTube videos a week on my cooking channel, and I have kept that!! Hurray. haha. I use to have a New Year’s resolution of finally finding a girl to marry, but no luck every year, so I won’t make that a resolution. haha since I live by myself, I will continue to be my own short-order cook. 🙂 lol
Myrah Duque says
I love this post, it made me think about this! I’m not a napper so I won’t have to worry about that. Good resolutions!
Dana says
LOL I am such a napper 😉
Stephanie S says
I’m not one for making new year resolutions. I’ve been sticking to a more positive and healthier lifestyle in general. I do think for some people making a new years resolution can be helpful.
Dana says
Stephanie, sounds like you have some great New Year resolution – just with a different name 😉
Heather says
Sadly I dont see my short order cooking days coming to an end. I really want to stay healthy though.
Subhashish Roy says
Loved reading. And some of them are common with me. Not giving up on naps for example. Wish you a great year ahead.
Emman Damian says
The most important lesson I got from this article is that “I am not going to compare myself to others – I don’t have time.” It’s really easy to compare or judge yourself with other people but at the end of the day, you are competing with yourself. you shouldn’t be comparing yourself because we all have different learning curves.
rika says
I really love these! I don’t want to go crazy with my New Year’s resolutions too! I just want to be more realistic.
Sarah M says
Firstly, I want to say I liked your photo, you are looking amazing in it. Secondly, you have shared some nice tips for making a better new year. I liked your points especially giving time to naps 🙂 and not comparing yourself with others.
Rosemary says
This is a great list and I’m proud of you. Taking time for you and prioritizing! Wit yourself…go girl! With that, it sounds like 2020 will be off to a great start. I agree and particularly agree with not comparing oneself to others. Happy New Year!
paula schuck says
I love your blouse. It is adorable. Anyways yes I agree with all of these. I read at my own pace and can’t finish 120 books a year or whatever the number is. Also short order cook for kids is complete BS. They should eat what the rest of us are eating most of the time. I now have teens so I honestly do not care if they want to make their own hot dogs but clean up after yourself. KWIM?
Terri Steffes says
I don’t think I’ll be making resolutions for the New Year! Loved this post, it’s all about being real and loving yourself more. We should all cut ourselves some slack, life is difficult as it is.