Well, it’s that time of year when most of us reflect on the past twelve months, and make resolutions for the next year.

If you’re typical, most of the resolutions made will be broken in the first week of the New Year, and some will be broken before the morning of January 2nd.

This year, I’m skipping the usual resolutions – dieting, exercising, quitting bad habits – and going for resolutions that I can keep.

1.) I vow that when I wake every morning to take a moment to appreciate the fact that I woke up in my own bed and in the safety of my home.
2.) I vow to savor that first sip of hot coffee while logging into PPOV, and forcing myself away from the computer once the coffee is gone, and to walk outside and watch the sunrise.
3.) I vow to appreciate the fact that I am able to shower using clean, hot water and without assistance.
4.) I vow to speak less and listen more.
5.) I vow never to take for granted my health or the health of my husband and loved ones.
6.) I vow to prepare better meals, and create at least two “works of art” per week, and set the table using a tablecloth, candles, my good china, and glass stemware. Why wait for company to come over to set a nice table and enjoy a good meal?
7.) I vow to stop dreading housework and laundry, and be grateful that I am capable of doing the chores myself, and instead of rushing through the tasks, I’ll take my time and do the best that I can.
8.) I vow to do at least one good deed per day, even if it’s just smiling at a neighbor and waving hello.
9.) I vow to read at least four books of non-fiction this year and that’s actually a difficult one for me, as my guilty pleasure is reading romance/mystery novels because I love a happy ending.
10.) I vow to listen to music more and watch television less.
11.) I vow that when the blues set in, to concentrate on my blessings instead, and be grateful for my life, my husband, my family, and my friends.
12.) And lastly, I vow to thank God every night when lying in bed for granting me another day.

It’s the simple things in life that matter.

Cat Stevens said it best:

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javaz
I am a retired aerospace engineer, happily married for over twenty-four years. My hobbies include blogging on PPOV, reading mystery/romance novels, playing guitar, learning the piano and writing. My husband and I love to travel in our camper/trailer, and have visited 45 states, besides having lived in France for 2 years and seeing most of Europe. "Today is the first day of the rest of your life? Well, that's true of every day but one - the day you die." American Beauty "All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure." Mark Twain "A man is never more truthful than when he acknowledges himself a liar." Mark Twain

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Kalima
Admin

Wonderful post javaz, I’m happy that my hubby is healthy, my family and friends love me and that my cats are awfully naughty.

I stopped with new year’s resolutions in my 30’s, couldn’t keep one if I tried, not important anyway. I just try to be good and give love back when it’s offered, sometimes when it’s not, life goes on.

Emerald1943
Member

Hey javaz, I almost cried reading your resolutions. You helped me to see where I have been doing some things in the wrong way! I would love to be able to pull all this off myself! I resolve here and now to copy your list, if it’s okay with you, and put it up on my fridge as a reminder!

And I will, no doubt, feel the need to add a few personal items to it…first, I promise to become a better writer so that you and all the rest of these wonderful people don’t have to suffer my lack of skills! I have heard there is a good writing course at the local community college and I’m going to check it out. I’ve never taken one and I’m afraid it shows!

Beautiful post, my friend! Just beautiful! 🙂

nellie
Member

Great post, javaz. And a very spiritual and positive list of resolutions.

Every year I make only one resolution, and I keep it all year. Last year, my resolution was “Lighten up.” And — though it may not be apparent here 🙂 — I really did. At the end of the year, I drop the resolution, but after a year, it usually sticks with me.

I don’t know what it’s going to be this year. But your post reminded me that I need to think about it.

AlphaBitch
Member
AlphaBitch

Great list, Javaz! Just walked in to check out showtimes before we head for Austin.

1) I vow to wake up each day with the prayer, “Use me, God, today to be your hands and feet and eyes.”
2) I vow to try and be more patient, especially with those who most need my patience.
3) I vow to go to sleep each night with the prayer, “Thank you, God, for giving me today” no matter what the day might bring.
4) I vow to try and find more time to check in here and enjoy the “company of strangers” who now feel like friends.
5) I vow to forgive myself if I don’t keep these vows.

Emerald1943
Member

Beautiful, AB! Would that we all could do those things every day!