1.01.2022

not a new year's resolution part one: precepts and generalities for 2022

A few years ago, I wrote in this blog:

I don't do New Year's Resolutions, but I do enjoy using the revolution of our Earth around the Sun as an excuse to take stock in where I am and think about where I'm going.

This is not a Big Promise To Do Something; it's not even goal-setting. In my ongoing work to free myself from a strong tendency towards All Or Nothing, to not paint myself into a corner, to not create Rules which I then use to limit my experiences, I don't even set concrete goals.

My thinking takes the form of general precepts that I'm trying to remember.

My guideposts for 2022 are pretty simple.

* Continue to work only the hours I am paid, to take breaks, and to work at a human pace.

* Continue ongoing digital minimalism: less social media, breaks from texting, enjoy analog pursuits.

* Pay attention to my important long-distance friendships.

* Spend time outdoors when weather and time permits.

* Continue doing what I can to stay healthy physically and  mentally. (New post coming soon.)

I am looking forward to several things this year.

* Seeing my mother and other family if at all possible.

* Zoom dates with close friends on a regular basis. (This is new.)

* Being active in my union.

* Allan and I have been working on financial goals, and I'm looking forward to those advancing.

* I'm more physically fit than I have been in many years, and I'm looking forward to maintaining that.

I hope you're being kind to yourself and looking forward to 2022 with at least cautious optimism.

5 comments:

mkk said...

Great precepts! Let's plan some Zoom dates with you and Allan!

Happy New Year!

Love you!

Amy said...

Happy New Year, Laura and Allan and pups! Wishing you all the best for the coming year. Your precepts seem both very wise and attainable---unlike most New Year's resolutions.

I am one of those who is not optimistic about 2022. Too much going on both globally, nationally, and personally for me to feel good about the coming year. I am hoping that by the summer things will improve though the larger global and national issues will likely be with us for years if not decades to come. My only precept for 2022 is to breathe, try and live in the moment, and focus on gratitude for all that I have. If I can do that, it will be enouugh.

laura k said...

Thank you, Amy, and to you too!

Oh my goodness, I am not the slightest bit optimistic about the global situation or any national situation, certainly not the nation you're in. But having resolutions or precepts about those would be useless -- or worse than useless, a recipe for depression and anxiety.

This is strictly personal, because that's the only thing we can control. Breathing, staying in the present, and focusing on what's going right are beautiful and very important goals. I wish you the best with them.

Amy said...

Thanks, Laura.

With God's Help said...

Inspired once again by your take on things.