Lesann Berry

In a post earlier this week, I stated my preference for affirmations rather than resolutions. This is because I know my personality. Resolutions are rules…rules are made to be ignored and broken and ridiculed. Affirmations affirm things – they’re more like guidelines. Guidelines are good, a sort of praise. Praise is always better than rules.

Regardless, after being the recipient of much badgering and bullying I have concocted this list of resolutions. Why? Because unkind people (who will not be mentioned here, Hildegard and Thomasina), claim it isn’t fair that I don’t have rules. All righty then.

Here is what I resolve to do in 2012:

~ I shall eat more soup.
~ I shall read more books.
~ I shall write more stories.
~ I shall work fewer hours.
~ I shall drive fewer miles.
~ I shall query a novel.
~ I shall spend more time with family.
~ I shall visit with old friends.
~ I shall indulge in more pedicures.
~ I shall take more vacations.
~ I shall donate more time.
~ I shall save for rainy days.

That’s a round dozen resolutions – one for each month. Nice measurable goals with concrete results. What’s that? You want more from me? …really? That seems greedy…but okay.

~ I will not turn down new opportunities.
~ I will not listen to the naysayers.
~ I will not believe in failure.
~ I will not wallow in the pit of despair.
~ I will not reject valid criticism.
~ I will not make as many rude gestures.
~ I will not say so many naughty words.
~ I will not neglect what needs to be done.
~ I will not procrastinate on necessary tasks.
~ I will not ignore e-mail just because I can.
~ I will not forget to slow down and enjoy life.
~ I will not forget my mother’s birthday. Ever. Again.

So there you are. My resolutions for the New Year. This is not your typical twinkie, hoo-haw nonsense sort of list. I know bad shit happens, and while I don’t want to wallow in excrement, neither do I need to pretend it doesn’t exist. I live in the real world, thank you very much.

How do my affirmations resolutions match up to yours? Does something BIG loom on your docket in 2012? Do you succumb to peer pressure too?