As I look back on 2009 it had all the ups and downs of an EKG after wind sprints. The lows sent me to the depths of depression and the highs kept me smiling like the Joker. In some respects I am very glad to see the passing of this last year and am ready to take on the challenges and opportunities of 2010.
I have never been a "Resolutions" guy. In fact, I think they are pretty ridiculous. I mean really. If you have to wait until a certain time of year to set goals you are limiting yourself. Personally, I think it should be a process of continuous review. Jeez, I am getting awfully serious here.
That being said, here is a short list of what I expect to be continually working on during 2010 and probably for the rest of my life.
Happiness - You can never have enough and I need to seek more ways to grab happiness by the throat and wring every ounce of it out that I can with my ever tightening grip. Hmmm better keep an eye on this one.
Empathy for others - Oooo boy. This is a big challenge for cynical me, whose base philosophy is "Too bad ignorance isn't painful". It also may conflict with item #1.
Love - Here is a little something you can never have too much of or give enough. I think I need to work a bit more on the giving part.
Moderation - I'm an all or nothing kind of guy. When I ran it was with obsession. When I switched to cycling it was so I could take on 100 mile rides. Drinking - we don't need to go there and don't any more. I need to embrace moderation and stay away from obsession.
Time with my family - Work has dominated my life from the time I was 14. Yes, I need to pay the bills, but I also need to blend my life with those most important to me (see items 3 and 4).
Listening - What? Okay, bad joke and every time someone says something about hearing or listening, some idiot always chimes in with a "What?", so I said it for you. Listening is hard for some of us. I am usually too busy thinking about my response to what someone says to fully concentrate on what is being said. Here is where I need help. The better I can listen, the better I believe I can stay on top of everthing listed before "Listening". Hear me?
Keep it light - I love humor, but I can be very serious and I can be extremely hard on myself. Not only do I have to keep it light on others, but I need to cut myself some slack.
Lose weight - Ha! Just kidding. No stupid resolutions for me - see item #4.
Stir it up - Sometimes I have a tendency to go with the flow too much. I need to stand up and question more often. Express my feelings instead of burying them. Allow a bit of anger even.
Expect abundance - No this doesn't go against item # 4. I'm not talking about over abundance, I'm talking about comfort and raising my level of expectation without being unrealistic. Wrap you heads around that one....pretty specific, eh? But if you ponder it, you'll understand.
A Happy 2010 to all of you and I hope your lists suit you well and are fulfilled. Thanks for your kind comments in 2009 and I relish the thought of more in 2010.
Cheers!
15 comments:
And a very happy 2010 to you as well. I think your list makes a lot of sense.
Prayers for 2010,
PG
nice list mm. its a journey not a sprint...i figure i will be working on them for quite a bit as well.
happy new year!
What a good list of things to develop more of in the coming year. We all could use some work on our listening skills, and empathy, allowing ourselves to be ourselves without condemnation, but with tolerance and a good self-inventory when needed. And the pursuit of happiness, learning that it's not an achievement, it's an attitude during the journey. Have a good new year, Monkey Man.
Not being into resolutions myself, I still enjoyed your list, it's thoughtful and balanced and one that could apply to many of us in some way or another.
Happy New Year. I'm already into 2010 here in Australia, so it almost feels past for me. Now to get on with the business of living.
oops.. sooory. Too sleeeepy. ;P
6. I always imagine that I am a fish whenever I am swimming. It relaxes me. Feeling one with the element of water adds to the pleasure of the activity. (Until one of my sons would inevitably always jump in and invade into my pleasurable zone by convincing me that they are really sharks.)
7. I have grown to love many of you out here on Bloggerland.. for you were the one thing that was constant when everything in my world has collapsed and changed.
Happy New Year,
love & hugs enclosed to you and yours
Thank you for supporting a beginning writer, which goes with.... hmmmmmm.......
#1,2,3,6,7,9,10... not bad for 2009.
Much love and wishes for all the other stuff
Gratitude, my numer 1,
(and don't forget #10 can also be spelled a bun
dance)
Ha!
Dianne
A happy new years for you, and a toast for making no commmitments for the 365 remaining days of it.
i too am glad 2009 is over... happy new year monkey man!!!! and resolutions? nah.... change should come about when its necessary, not on a specific day and date.
Happy New Year!!!
You have a nice list of intentions. Wishing you peace and happiness for this year and the ones that follow. : )
Find your stride and balance and you will find that the bars you set just beyond your grasp come within reach as you grow.
Happy New year my beloved Monkey Man. There are no words to say how important you have become in my life. I have new expectations because of you.
Thank you for all things you give me and those you touch.
Soft love,
T
Great stuff MM. I wish you a very happy and, importantly, healthy 2010.
Phil
I love your sense of humor! It's very similar to my Hubby's. Happy New Year, Monkey Man! I hope 2010 brings you lots of happiness and prosperity because you're generous!!
:)
Good list!
Stay Sane!
Great list! I am totally with you on the moderation thing.
Happy New Year!
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