Saturday, January 4, 2014

My Soul Singing Non-Resolution

It's January. Again. 

Here we are, all refreshed, bloated with cookies and new found inspiration to start the new year. Everywhere you turn, people are making resolutions (and probably breaking them by now). 

I'm not fond of the whole resolution thing, though.  I tend to be on the side of doing what makes me happy and peaceful now, not just because it's January. 

So, in celebration of not making a New Year's Resolution, I made a list of things that make me happy in the now.  These are the things that make my soul sing.  This is what I want MORE of in this new year:

1.) My Hubs.  He is IT, I'm telling you.  He feels like home.  He is everything and the only one that I need on a daily basis. I didn't think it would be possible to love that guy any more than I did 13 years ago, when I said 'I Do' but....I do.  We've certainly had our ups and downs and Lord knows that there were days....well, we won't go into that, but we have handled these years with finesse and taken the challenges in stride.  Together. Our alone time together is sacred, but far and few between these days of raising babies.  I want to carve out more dates with my hubs this year.  We have so many more memories to make together and I can't wait!
 
2.) My Kids.  I would be lying if I didn't say that those kids crack me up, piss me off and grab my heart every single day.  While they drive me nuts sometimes, they are also the sweetest kids ever.  I try to soak up as many little moments with them as possible. I try to remember every tiny conversation, facial expression and giggle that comes from them.  I know that some day they will be huge and grown and I will miss those tiny faces, but for now, I will enjoy all the crazy goings-on in our lives.  This year, I want to teach them more, explore with them more, and show them more.  I want them to learn to appreciate the little things in life that can make you happy.  (Like when I taught them the best part of drinking a milkshake is eating the cherry and whipped cream first.)  I want to make as many little, tiny memories with them as possible and I pray that I never forget those things. 

3.) Music.  When I've had a rough day or just feel a little down, I crank it.  I have some go-to artists but mostly they involve loud, sultry front men like Jim Morrison or Robert Plant.  Something about a great song can make my soul sing like nothing else in this world.  It makes me feel, well...like me.  There is something so familiar about certain songs and music in general, that it makes me feel like I'm home.  It takes me to a place where they know me and motion for me to come in for a big group hug. It wraps it's big arms around me and squeezes me tight.  I would love to throw more live music into the mix this year.

4.) Writing.  My goal last year was to read and write more.  Which I think I have done a pretty good job doing.  I've been more intentional in my choices of what to write and I'm always looking for an angle on a moment that I can make into a story.  I'm not sure how many people actually read this blog but it's more for me than anyone else.  I consider writing a therapy of sorts.  I keep a notebook with me, so I can jot down ideas or phrases throughout the day.  Even if nothing materializes with those thoughts, I am being more reflective in my everyday life and that just makes me happy.

5.) Reading.  I have a stack of books that I got for Christmas that are waiting for me to read them.  The thought of diving into a new book gives me the shivers and butterflies of excitement.  Kinda nerdy, I know, but get over it.  This year, I would like to read more books that are outside of my normal genre.  Maybe I'll pick up a Sci-Fi or Historical Fiction.  Who knows, I might get really crazy and pick up a Non Fiction book.  Stranger things have happened.

6. My kitchen  While most people are busy calculating calories and hitting the gym, I would like to spend more time in my kitchen this year.  I love that (occasional) feeling I get when I can crank up the music, fire up the stove and dance around in my pj's while cooking up a killer meal.  My culinary skills tend to be in the remedial department but I can bake like nobody's business.  I would like to pick up a few new dinner go-to's this year. 

7. My dogs  As my dog, Phoebe, has turned 15 this year, I have been trying to spend more time with her.  I know our time left together is short and I try to baby her as much as I can.  A few extra treats and more play time is definitely in order.  Winston is already a big baby and follows me everywhere I go.  But that girl, Phoebe, she has been with me through thick (very thick) and thin.  I know I will be devastated when she is gone, so I want to make her time with us pleasant.  I want her to know how important and loved she is in our family. 

So there it is.  These are the things that make me happy on a daily basis and what I want MORE of in the new year.  They make my soul sing.  They make me...me. 

What makes your soul sing?  What makes you smile on the inside so much that you get butterflies?  Make your list and focus on that this year and you might be surprised at how simple happiness can be.


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