I generally don't make resolutions for the new year, (but I really, really should.)
Seems I'm too busy trying to accomplish what needs to be done today.
Like,
- editing the Christmas photos and having prints processed for each of my family members;
- stacking firewood that my husband cut this weekend;
- mail my sister's Christmas present (that's a complicated story for another day,)
- finish reading Boardwalk Empire (a book I started about this time last year,)
- start researching what type of chicks to order in the spring, (I really want crested hens,)
- still working on losing 20 pounds (well, 15 would be great -- 20 would be a miracle.)
- de-clutter the house,
- read more books,
- see my boys more often,
- see my mom more often.
Maybe my main goal for the New Year should be to figure out why I couldn't successfully conquer all of last year's goals.
But that would likely require self-examination. Perhaps a 12-step program for procrastinators. Changing the way I think. How I live. Sounds like work. Not a big fan.
Can a person really change after attaining the mid-century mark? Or are we destined to repeat our past, year after year?
Part of me wants to say it doesn't have to be that way, but another part recognizes we as people like to follow the same, comfortable, familiar path.
~
But can one still make resolutions when one is over forty?
I live according to twenty-year-old habits.
~Andre Gide
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Great photos& I'm with you on resolutions. I should probably make one this year& REALLY try to stick with it.
ReplyDeleteYou can always change habits ..it's just so HARD!!
I really don't make resolutions either, just try to be a better person day by day.
ReplyDeleteThe shoe photo is awesome Nancy, I hope you have a great new year.
It's a mystery as to what motivates us to actually make changes. I mean I'd been smoking for 10 years when I finally stopped cold turkey as a New Year's resolution and started running instead. And that was 8 years ago and I'm still running. But why? Why was i able to do it one day and not any days the 10 years prior? No clue. But the bottom line is, don't give up. If you want to make changes, you can.
ReplyDeleteI like your 'Chucks...' lol I wear them too (but in the spring and summer). As to resolutions, I'm not generally one to do that, but I do have a very short list of traits I'm working on to change... changing 'what I do' requires I change 'how I think,' and that takes a lot of diligence...
ReplyDeletei try to love myself, with all my quirks and "shortcomings" i still like who i am.
ReplyDeletei also like you!! if you "change" you won't have the same wonderful material to write about "she said selfishly"......
i think your amazing, just the way you are!!
cool chucks, btw!!
oooohhhhh but do see the boys and mom more!!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures! You've asked some great philosophical questions. Of course we can always change, but we are also creatures of habit.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your shoes and the photos of them!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Debbie...do NOT change who you are. YOU are WONDERFUL!
P.S. I make one resolution every year and it is "To make no resolutions!" ha!
Oh Nancy you are cracking me up and I could just copy your lists and print them out for myself! I too haven't mailed my sisters gift (also a story for another day).
ReplyDeleteI think as we get older we have even more strength to change and become better than we were (or better than we perceive ourselves to be).
I will say one thing I have learned this year about you...you are a very special lady who has brightened many of my days with your wonderful photos and words, so I think you are pretty terrific as you are!
I hope the New Year brings joy and many blessings to your home!
Stay warm while stacking that wood!
Tina xo
Great post... and I am with you...although the weight I am losing from being sick...LOL, I think I can check one thing off that list!
ReplyDeleteAnd My parents gift was lost in the mail.. so I have to replace that, they feel forgotten,, so bummed about that.
Hmm... a 12-step program for procrastinators. I might have to sign up for that one too! (if I would get around to it) ;)
ReplyDeleteA person can Definitely! change after reaching the mid-century mark! Good luck on your resolutions and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI never did a resolution, knowing it wouldn't last.Take life in its fullest, and enjoy yourself as you seem to do.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics and resolutions. May you have a wonderful New Year!
ReplyDeletesounds like your family loves you the way you are...so that is a good thing...
ReplyDeleteYes, changes are possible after 40.
ReplyDeleteDone as New Years' resolutions...maybe.
As to when?
All I know is sometimes I have the drive and the motivation to carry though.
And sometimes, I don't.
I've learned to accept both situations.
Energy? Do it now!
No energy? Accept and wait...
I never make New Year resolutions either. I feel like it's silly to do this on one day on the year as opposed to any other time year. But I do sit down and make lists whenever I feel I am in need of a little push or am unable to make up my mind about what it is I want and/or need in my life. To me, that's helpful. It also helps the things that I really want to accomplish or have, manifest quicker. There is something to be said about list writing. :)
ReplyDelete*sigh*
ReplyDeleteLove your shoes and your thoughts. I don't think you need to change. Perhaps just recognize a couple hours of free time as time better spent with family. This life only comes around once.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading your blog this year. I think you're a talented photographer and writer.
Oh Nancy, your resolutions, my resolutions. What is it about aging that makes us realize that change is needed, but never seems to happen. De-Clutter is going to be my middle name this year. I'll keep reminding you if you keep reminding me!!! Happy New Year, my friend....2012 will be a good year!!
ReplyDeleteI generally don't make any either. Just because I know that I won't be able to finish them. I'm bad.
ReplyDeleteI want to concentrate more on my photography next year. I hope I can at least do that :)
I ALWAYS want to de-clutter... even though I tend to stay semi on top of it there is ALWAYS more stuff to get rid of!
ReplyDeleteI do not make usually any resolutions but this year would be an exception- I want to pay more attention to my health...
ReplyDeleteYep to everything you said. I'm such a procrastinator. I always have ideas and plans but then when I think of the work it will take, I just push it all aside and sit with the comfortable. I so need to declutter, purge, organize. Maybe next year it will happen! Blessings to you and yours, Tammy
ReplyDeleteI've to be honest, I never do lists. I find them hard to remember. I'm not that organized, lol. I'm not so sure if we repeat our past year after year because my life have been turned up side down more than once. I honestly would like to have a comfortable and familiar path. but I hope you manage to live your goals on the new year. I think maybe the issue is that you see them as long-term ;) and the best way is living goals one day at a time. xxo
ReplyDeleteI don`t make resolutions because I simply break them it seems.
ReplyDeleteYou have posted such an interesting question. I think with the right motivation and encouragement one can change. I found the book The Secret to be quite helpful with change.
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures and those kicks rock! As far as resolutions, I do not make them...then I can't beat myself up over it when I inevitably brake them..lol
ReplyDeleteWouldn't life be so boring if we weren't capable of change? Personally, I have found change easier since I've passed the half-century mark. I think it is because I have spent so many years focussing on my kids and Better Half, putting them first. WHich was always my choice to do. But now that they are all leaving the roost and don't need me so much? Time to put me first...no more excuses. Times a tickin. Humans are capable of anything one their minds are put to it.
ReplyDeleteKathy
What a lovely post. Last year I had only on thing on my list and didn't keep to it. But I had good intentions, right?
ReplyDeleteSame thing is going on my list this year again. Maybe it'll stick.
I am so with you I'm changing a lot this year! I think I'll try to write some thing each day about it too!
ReplyDeleteAt the ripe old age of 59, I stopped makin' resolutions several years ago. I just decided to live each day the best I can as me!!! :o)
ReplyDeleteGod bless and have yourself a fantastic New Year sweetie!!! :o)
wishing you happiness and discovery in 2012
ReplyDeleteThis is something I grapple with all the time!!! I do however believe that as we mature we do get somewhat better at prioritising the important things in life! Unfortunately no mattter what the goal or intention, there just never seems to be enough time!! Good Luck with accomplishing yours in 2012!
ReplyDeleteWow Nancy good thinking post. I am in the middle of just being me, I like that; I think I will try that for the new year and see how it goes. :0 Don't change we are all doing fine right? Be happy......B
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely making resolutions and I'm getting closer to 50. There is always room for change for the better.. right? Right. I'll just keep saying that :-)
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures! Great thoughts... know where you are coming from!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures! Great thoughts... know where you are coming from!
ReplyDeleteLast year I made the resolution to not eat the processed food in our school cafeteria...and I actually stuck with it. So, I am thinking I can make one resolution to stick with. Surely.
ReplyDeleteResolutions...I've never been one (in my adult years) to set one...just seems like you are setting yourself up for failing....but I am one of rash decision making...
ReplyDeleteI love New Years resolutions. It's a start, it makes you think, it is motivating. I do it every year and sometimes they are repeats. Just keep them all positive and for the "common good". Good luck Nancy : )
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. And like the 4 resolutions you made. I agree though - I am not making resolutions - I am just trying to live one day at a time. sandie
ReplyDeleteSorry, but the teacher in me is going to answer this. Why do we dwell on things we want to change about ourselves? Why do we make resolutions for change? Why don't we look back at our accomplishments for the year? Why don't we celebrate what we are good at? I think you take great photos and give wonderul advice for improving our own pictures. I have enjoyed you blog immensely this year and appreciate the comment you leave on my when you stop by for a visit. I have no idea what you weigh, but I know you have a great view of life. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteResolutions? What are those? Goals? I've heard them mentioned here and there but haven't been very good about setting or reaching them. I do love your shoes, though! ;-)
ReplyDeleteA very thoughtful post Nancy! I don't make New Year's resolutions. I think every day is new so if you want to make a resolution on changing, you can wake up every day and choose. But I must admit ~ I love routine and being 'comfortable' and as I head into my later 40's, I like it even more. That's OK I think.
ReplyDeleteCute shoes!
xo Catherine
I only ever make one new years resolution; not to make any new year resolutions -it's pretty easy to stick to!
ReplyDeleteI never make resolutions.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I want is to make 2012 my beeyotch.
Oh...it will happen ;)
I don't tend to make New Years resolutions either, but I have a few things I am hoping to shake up this next year myself! The new year with its fresh start is just a good time to set new goals. I too will see if I manage to make the changes I would like to! :O)
ReplyDeleteWe share the same path indeed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post Nancy!
I wish you a wonderful New Year.
Great post!! I DO believe we can change ... and that we don't have to wait until the New Year to start it.
ReplyDeleteA big change for me this past year..... I have not had a drink of soda - regular or diet - since Sept 26th. And I was a HUGE Cokeaholic!
haha - me eat less snacks!/eat better! (lose weight basically)/goes hand in hand with my dreaded hate of exercising!
ReplyDeletespend less time on the computer!
spend more time with my kids!
finish the bible - I start it every year and never finish it
even if we aren't resolution makers it's hard not to reflect this time of year isn't it? happy new year to you!
ReplyDeleteLove the sneakers! Have a great new year.
ReplyDeletei love your resolutions and the photos of your shoes are wonderful!
ReplyDeletegreat post! xo
Resolutions are made to be broken ... lol ....
ReplyDeleteSo glad I discovered your blog!
Happy New Year!
bah. keep those twenty-year-old habits, i say! calendars are over-rated. ;o)
ReplyDeleteI like the comfortable, familiar path too, but I know we are able to make changes. We might have to push ourselves a bit, but that can be rewarding in itself.
ReplyDeleteHave a great New Year!
A girl after my own heart!
ReplyDeleteYep, I am there with you on procrastination.
If I have a deadline, I make it fine.
If not, I don't.
I think your life is better with too many things than not enough. I think you may be a perfectionist and doing one thing that isn't up to par may cause you more grief, so you wait...?
I am soon to be over 60, so you have a lot of time to compose yourself IF you want to.
I got such a kick out of your post here today. And I love the photo of the shoes and feet, with jeans.
Good luck, hope to keep in touch.
A wonderful thoughtful post Nancy. I've enjoyed my year with you and look forward to a new one! Hope you and yours have a merry merry and safe new year!
ReplyDeleteI don't make any new year promises ever, they only cause stress. I try some changes if I feel I need to during to year but I don't promise anything to myself or anyone, I just want live my life as I feel is best to me with any unnecessary stress. I believe we can still change over forty if we want to but it really must come to your heart not what society wants to!
ReplyDeleteWe have had very mild winter here in Finland, we don't even have snow but it is okay to me cause it is warm and not -20 celsius and two meters snow like last winter.
I hope you a wonderful year 2012
Love
Henrietta
So true. I will hit that half-century mark in May and know that old habits die hard. At the end of last year I resolved to do 2 things ... not do another 365 unless it went in another direction and de-clutter my life. Neither have been done. I will finish my second 365 and, no, it didn't go in another direction--I don't have time. And my life is more clutter now than ever. But, here's to next year ... maybe it'll work this time.
ReplyDelete