Tonight I put away my Christmas decorations. My apartment feels a little less cheerful and a little more back to the regularity of everyday life.
While taping up boxes of ornaments and shoving the artificial tree in the closet, I thought of the John Lennon Christmas song “Happy Christmas.” In it, Lennon sings, “And so this is Christmas, and what have you done?”
So now I’m thinking. We’re a week into 2017, and what have I done?
Every year I make my ambitious list of new years resolutions, bound and determined to make this year better than the last. So far though, I’ve done a whole lot of nothing in terms of making that goal a reality. Sure, we’re only a week in, but it’s never too early to get started.
I want this year to be a year of finding joy.
A year of intention.
A year of surprises.
A year of value.
A year of gratitude.
A year of passion.
A year of thinking deeply.
A year of being inspired.
A year of being present.
This year I will stand more than I sit.
I will listen to podcasts. Read books. Play the piano. Write often. Get pictures developed.
I will get off the couch and go outside. Work up a sweat. Try new recipes. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
I will consider the future, but live for the moment. Give thanks. Breathe deeply.
I will pray always. Smile often. Listen more.
I will wake up earlier. Put my phone down. Turn off the TV. Step away from the computer.
I will feel beautiful. Embrace new relationships. Drink wine. Go on adventures.
I will set goals. Push myself. Make a difference.
I will somehow find joy in every day.
There’s no pre-existing roadmap or direction of any sort for this year. No graduation. No moving date. No next step. This year is all about what I make of it.
Now that I’ve had a week to hibernate inside my apartment during the cold start of January, I think it’s time I start to make things happen. Sure, lazy days are needed. But when it comes to finding joy and having my best year yet, action is required. I refuse to sit on the couch and let moments and opportunities pass.
Bring on 2017.
