If you’d ask me, I’d tell you that I’m an optimist. So why is it, then, that for so many years my New Year’s resolution has been, “I resolve not to make a stupid resolution, ’cause the last thing I need is another commitment I can’t or won’t keep.” In retrospect, I believe that’s what folks might call half glass full thinking. Better to try — and maybe fail — than not to try at all. And so…
I resolve:
- To quit smoking. And to keep quitting, until it sticks.
- To get serious about exercise. I actually got a jump-start on this one (is that cheating?) by starting a regular program on my shiny new rower. I’m four weeks in, and I’ve made a major discovery… there are muscles in my ass! Who knew?
- To find the center on that whole work / life balance thing. ‘Cause honestly, I don’t know that I need to prove anything to anybody anymore.
- To get more green. Okay, so I’ve started this one, too… but buying a few compact fluorescent light bulbs only goes so far.
- To write a scene every day. Which is a lot less scary than resolving to write a novel. And more practical. And while I’m at it, I’d better resolve to not start every day’s writing by endlessly editing and revising what I wrote the day before.
- To be an advocate for things I believe in. I was struck recently by a passage written by Kim Stanley Robinson in Red Mars:
“They were so ignorant! Young men and women, educated very carefully to be apolitical, to be technicians who thought they disliked politics, making them putty in the hands of their rulers, like always.”
It blew me away; it was so true, and struck so close to home. I’m not so young as I used to be… maybe I can tweak that ignorance factor, too.
How ’bout you?
Good luck on the quitting smoking. Did it myself, pack a day for 36 years and tried halfheartedly to quit several times, lasting perhaps 2-3 weeks at best. One day in February at 49 after a few months of bad reflux (also smoking related) I found myself sucking wind after doing something that shouldn’t have been that tiring. Just said “that’s it,” and that was it. It was very odd to me that after all those other time trying to quit I could shut it off so simply, but it just had to be the right time, I guess. Only time I get pangs is at a bar after 3 drinks and yes, I’ve cheated, but have never felt the desire to start again. As I don’t go out much, it’s not a big deal.If anything, I actually enjoy the four or five cigs a year I do have. So good luck – maybe your day will happen this year.
I’ll add that I do think it’ll help sensory perception. Didn’t help much the first year, but during the second year my palate really seemed to open up and become more sensitive.
Thanks for the good thoughts, Rich.
A couple years ago — when my appendix and I parted ways — I endured a span of not smoking for about seven days. Even in that period of time I was rather struck by some of the flavors that jumped at me… and then I stupidly picked up a cigarette again.
I’m looking forward to what happens when I put them down permanently.