A Life Long Resolution

The all compulsory New Year post. How is everyone doing with theirs, thus far? My resolution is traditionally not to make a resolution.. thus leaving me free not to blow any, and therefore I don’t have to make myself feel bad about not fulfilling my end of my own bargain with myself. Make sense?

This past year I’ve changed my life considerably, to say the least. I’ve gone on hiatus from a career I’ve worked at since the age of 18 to have my first born child, taught myself how to can and preserve food, started this blog, come to terms with some big issues I’ve carried on my back for a very long time, and in general, grown as a person. All in all, I’d say 2012 was a great success. I hope I can make 2013 measure up.

As I mentioned, I’m not big on making resolutions about the New Year, but this year I’m thinking there are a few things I’d like to strive for, to better myself and consequently my life. Mostly simple things, and a dash of things that will be more difficult… teaching an old dog new tricks and all that, ya dig? Things like treating myself better, with more respect. Going to get my hair cut once in a while, and to do things that make me feel good about my appearance instead of just saying “fuck it”. Doing my nails just because I like doing them, or wearing some of the jewelry that I let collect dust. It’s the same mentality that I have concerning my silverware. Although I have stainless steel utensils, instead of polishing them and putting them in a box to take out once a year.. I keep my silver mixed in with the stainless steel.

….Did I just hear a gasp?

I had someone up visiting who was helping me with the dishes one night, and she was stunned. “You know your silver is in with everything else, right?” to which I responded with a laugh, “Yes, I’m aware of the contents of my own cutlery drawer.” This shouldn’t be so shocking, really. Are you not worth eating off silver, if the mood so strikes you? Why not? Life is WAY too fucking short to live it on standards that are written in someone else’s book. Write your own book. Eat off the good china, and for godsake don’t beat yourself up over the stupid shit. Wear the things you love. As long as you’re not hurting any body, do the things that make you feel good. Celebrate the small stuff, because those are the things that keep us going. Treat yourself and those you love. Not necessarily with things that cost money, but with acts of thought and kindness. Make them a cup of coffee if you’re making yourself one, or draw them a nice bath if they’ve had a long day. If you live alone, do these things for yourself. Put on your favourite movie, or go for a walk. Sing, dance, whatever it is that you love to do, just do it. If it is something you love to do, you will find the time, even if you think it isn’t there. I love painting, but I hadn’t done it in years because I kept telling myself there just wasn’t any time. Then I sat down one day, told myself I had to make the time, and I finished my largest painting to date… in under 3 weeks. At this point, I was working from 9:30am – 6 or 7 or 8pm, and commuting an hour and a half each way, with 2 days off a week.

My point? Make time for the things you love, and slow down to look at life before it whips past you. The last thing you want, is to end up 70 years old with no experiences to show for it but pay stubs. Be nice to yourself, and those you love. Encourage instead of discourage. Don’t resolve to make 2013 the year you start hating yourself enough to change in to someone else, make 2013 the year you start to appreciate yourself. Take the time to understand what makes you happy, and the things that don’t… and why. Do the things that you keep telling yourself you’ll do later. We only have one life (depending on who you’re talking to), make sure you’re living it because it’s too short to waste it on doing shit you hate, on people who don’t deserve your time or by other peoples standards.

Love yourselves my babies!!