We’ve all read the myriad of advice columns, blog posts and articles about how New Year’s resolutions really don’t work. They are either too big or too vague or too something. They usually just set you up for more unhappiness. So, I swore of New Year’s resolutions years ago. However, being the self-help junkie that I am, I have not, however, sworn off good ideas that, in my gut, feel like they would bring progress.
A few days ago, Sister announced on her blog that she and her Husband have a New Year tradition in which they “name” their year. One year was the “Year of Travel,” in which they ended up taking 10 trips. (The fact they live in Europe tells me these trips also were not jaunts to the local park, either.) This past year was the “Year of the Book,” as Sister was writing and promoting her book, the Power of Slow. This year will be the “Year of Beauty” – surrounding themselves with beautiful things, beautiful people, beautiful experiences. (At this point in her blog post, I was thinking about how I could pull a Freaky Friday and adopt her life.)
So, not one to let a good idea go unstolen, I asked Husband If we could do the same. Not telling him my thoughts around a potential theme, I simply asked, what would you like to do more of in 2010? What would you like to dedicate the year to being?
I was particularly enthralled to hear his answer. This was because, to add to this idea of declaring how you might set yourself on a desired course, I also discovered a book last summer, The Gift of a Year: How to Achieve the Most Meaningful, Satisfying and Pleasureable Year of Your Life” by Mira Kirschenbaum. In this book, she walks you through the steps to identify what you’ve always wanted (or perhaps just need) and coaches you to take a year for yourself to finally just go do it, get it, have it, and/or be it. I was so enthralled with this book that I gave out 25 copies this year to friends at Christmastime.
So what would 2010 be about, Husband? He answered, I want to have more fun around work.
Wowsa. Over the past summer, The Gift of a Year showed me that what I really wanted – what I really needed – was more fun. I declared months ago that I would take a year to discover what brings joy to my life. I mean honest to goodness bliss. Because, I had no idea. Really.
And, here Husband’s thinking was on a similar path (even if it was attached to work). Clearly, a theme has been resonating in our life. And, thanks to this idea (or set of ideas), 2010 will be more fun. Because, isn’t it already better when you and your spouse have a common goal? Let the games begin.
What will your year be about?
I love this idea. (One minute) Just returned from asking hubby about what he would like 2012 to be, and after thinking about it: the year of nurturing relationships. I don’t think he was talking about our cat who was licking the back of his head…more like more parties like we had today with our friends, and book and breakfast buddies…but you never know.
Oh and happy new year everyone. All the best for 2012!
So here it is, New Year’s Eve 2011 and I told bf about this blog post and asked, “What would you like this year to be?” and he answered, to my amazement, “The year of travel.”, which is EXACTLY what I was going to answer! First destination? Seminole,Fla! For a family wedding, yeehaw! Thank God we’re looking at Vienna for later in the year! Love the blog LBB!
I think as a couple mine would be the year of “quality time” together – whether at home or on a special get-a-way, just the two of us or with special loved ones.
I am liking the sound of The Year of Peace and Joy, and I fully support your Year of Fun!
Great to do what you want…that’s going to be my year…the year of doing what I want to do rather than what 150 other people want me to do…now that will be a switch.
Good for you! You deserve it, Willow.
There you go, improving lives again! I think your Year of Fun is wonderful and I am so grateful to you for launching the Gift of a Year in my life. My year is now and I will be working on taking really good care of myself which OF COURSE includes some all-important fun.
Just spreading da love! Have fun with your year – it is so inspiring to hear what you are doing.
Yes, bring on the fun. Today, Husband went flying (his favorite thing), and I just read last month’s Oprah magazine — cover to cover — which has been sitting on my nightstand for, well, a month. Baby steps….
How wonderful! My “retread” and I will be more than happy to assist you & Husband in keeping your un-resolution.
Here’s to 2010, the Year of Fun! –Kim
You got it! And, of course, I am sure Chloe would be happy to help, too.
Love it!!! Yes, Sister, we had a Year of Fun, too. That was back in graduate school in which we looked for inexpensive ways to have fun (and work less). If I recall, we traveled a lot on a shoestring.
This year my personal year is the Year of Beauty. For us both it will be the Year of Entertainment. We started it by renting Star Wars and watching it with the kids. What a soul-enriching experience to hear those words uttered into my own ten-year-old ears back then. “Obi-Wan, you’re my only hope!”
Let the games begin!!
You are too smart to have a personal year and a “couple” year. I may have to steal that idea, too!