The Year of 'Why Not'...A Different Kind of Resolution
For most of us, January brings along New Year’s Resolutions… those wishes you have for yourself for changes and new beginnings. Along with those promises, inevitably come disappointments once your resolution goes to the wayside. Exercising is one of those resolutions that come up frequently. This morning, I was reminded of this phenomenon anew when walking down the stairs from my hot yoga class. I overheard a couple of ladies saying that they cannot wait for people to go back to their normal ways so that they wouldn’t have to be squished like sardines on their mats. And I thought to myself, just wait until February because by then, everyone will be able to spread out a bit more.
Prior to being an empty nester this year, my resolution always had the word, “patience.” Most of us know that as parents, patience is often in short supply. No matter the age of your kids, there are days when you need to take deep breaths and remind yourself to keep your cool. However these days, my resolutions are a little different. My biggest hope is that I venture out of my box and try new things. I already succeeded in doing something that I didn’t expect myself doing- I said “yes” to a hiking trip to the Dolomites in September with an entirely random group of women.
Pretty out-of-character for me, I had a fabulous time and I learned a lot about myself. Coming up next- spending a month in Telluride. Every Illinoisan knows that winter in our state can often feel like the tundra. In fact, as I write this, temperatures are expected to plummet to sub-zero levels for the next week. So getting away, even though it isn’t to a warm location brings the opportunity of trying new things and embracing new experiences. A couple of years ago, I said that I was swearing off skiing… the risk of injury and being cold were things that I was done with. However spending a month in the mountains allows me the opportunity to ski when I want- when the weather is nice and when I feel like it. I’ll also happily try snow-shoeing and exploring our new locale for the month. Last week when someone asked me “Why,” I replied, “Why not?”
The idea of resolutions came at me via a different angle last weekend when I spoke to my son who was on leave from the Naval Academy. First semester freshman year is hard for everyone, but it’s especially challenging for a Midshipman: acclimating to strict rules, physical challenges, military training, and the rigors of academics. Before heading back to the academy earlier this month, I gently urged my son to get more involved and to maybe try new things. I loved hearing that he signed up to be a part of his company’s Finance Club and that he was doing a course to get certified in scuba. Outside his box for sure, but I am so proud of him for putting himself out there and for knowing that being comfortable in a situation isn’t always what’s best for you.
If you’re ever doubting yourself, just think… “Why not?”
