Inspiration, New Year intentions, Wisdom

A Different Take on NY Resolutions

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

Sunday share has to be about the new year, right?

To have or not to have new year’s resolutions. That is the question.

me

I found a few articles about the new year (some may be behind a paywall).

“Only 8% of people stick with them (resolutions) the entire year.”- Psychology Today.

I’m in the 92% area, like most of you.

However, I make general writing goals, so I can finish manuscripts. Regarding other areas, what works better for me is to pick one word for the year.

My word for this year is NOURISH. Feeding my body, mind, and spirit, as well as others, is the guiding word for my year.

I can manage 24 hours, and afterward, I feel more accomplished.

The 13th Century poet Rumi gives us an example with his poem:

The Guest House


This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.

Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.

Because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Good things will come this year, as well as bad. Hold your intention close and use it for guidance and insight. Do you have a word or phrase to live by this year? Or are you in that 8%?

Creativity, Inky Girl, New Year intentions, Writing

Make This a Great Year Without Obsessive Resolutions

Happy New Year to all of you!

I’ve spent a little time reading inspiring blog posts this morning and found a few that supported my view of New Year resolutions.

Most of these have to do with writing but I’m sure the advice works in different areas of one’s life.

First, the post from author K.L Krane who writes “New Resolution for 2019: No Resolutions.” She details her exhausting reading and writing goals for 2018 (which left me way tired) and compares this to a new perspective. Check out her blog post.

This drawing from the talented Debbie Ridpath Ohi illustrates what many of us writers do to ourselves. The wisdom given by historical fantasy novelist Juliet Marillier is well said.

From Comics for Writers by Debbie Ohi

In 2018, author K. E. Garland began a new way to create resolutions. She resolved to remember five concepts.

After formulating what she intended to focus on she typed out the ideas on paper and stuck them to her mirror where she’d recite them daily.

Wow, simple, doable, and placed in an area she knew she’d be every morning and evening. I like her idea and am planning to adopt her method and post on my mirror and on my laptop.

Myself? I’m a fan of focus words and intentions. More about that process here.

Whatever you resolve, intend, or conceptualize for yourself this year, believe in your process and I hope you have many happy adventures.