New week, new year, new decade, new...

...resolutions? Thoughts? RJ?

Not so much.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm happy it's a new year! There's something about the calendar showing you a guaranteed fresh start that's just, well, refreshing. But here are my takes on all of the above:

New resolutions: I don't keep them. I try, then I fail, and then I feel like a failure, not even 1/3 of the way into the new year. Could anything stink more? I try to identify bad habits as I notice them, and I try to do something about them, but trust me, anyone with my guilt complex needs to stay away from resolutions.

New thoughts: I always have new thoughts. Who doesn't? I mean, every day, they pop up. If they're good, and I'm listening with both ears, I'll write them down where I know I'll see them again, or I'll put them in my handy dandy notes section of my phone. But why hold 'em for a whole year?! I like to get it out when I'm thinking and feeling it. And that's what blogs are for, IMHO. :-)

New rebekah: Sure, I could use an overhaul. No female I know would turn one down, and several males I know would at least look into the option. But isn't it better to take the best of me, and merge it with the rest of me, and work on what needs to go? That's the goal. Not that I always reach it, but, you know. An effort, at least.

So that's my new year's ideal: Keep doing what works, and work on what doesn't. And for the love of Pete, in this century, when technology and people and life are so demanding anyway, don't beat yourself up for not meeting some list you scratched out just because the rest of the world does it.

I realize that may seem slightly pessimistic, but hey. That's what I've got.

And happy oh-ten! I feel we can be healthy, wealthy, and wise, especially if we listen to ourselves, our God, our consciences, and the people who love us most.

Twenty Ten.

Wherever you are, whatever your plans, I hope this new year finds us all happier, healthier, and much wiser!

My revolution.

As a rule, I hate new year's resolutions.

Last year, my friend and coworker Angela said that since she never keeps her resolutions anyway, she was going to eat more, drink more, and maybe take up smoking in 2008. (BTW, I checked with her at the end of '08 and she only accomplished two of the three. Slacker.)

It's too much for me to start listing all the things I need to work on -- it just makes me feel so incompetent. And I feel guilty for working on one area and neglecting the rest. (If you know me, the guilt thing makes perfect sense.)

So this year, I have one overall goal: to be better. I'm hoping for 2009 to be a revolution of sorts, where I approach life with an attitude of trying to be better at it, whatever the "it" of the moment might be.

Wish me luck, especially since I often feel like my friend's daughter (who is pictured above) when it comes to facing new goals. :-)



Rebekah's General Warning: I'm well aware that we're almost 3 months into 2009 as I post this. However, I started it in early January, and thought it would be a good reminder for us all to have a check-up on how we're doing with our goals. What can I say? I'm brilliant like that.