So, this resolution thing…….

Last year I was fairly focussed and decided to try a different tack with the old New Year’s Resolution thingy. Mine was to smile more. Not as much a cop-out as you might think. Smiling I find helps me focus on the positivity, something we all need in this life. OK I confess I can be rubbish at coping with stress and I’m also a born worrier. It doesn’t take an expert to figure out that one of the first things that goes is your ability to smile. The thing I discovered was that I didn’t notice this happening – so I set out to change it, and I did.

This year however, as I sit at my desk having returned to work I might still be kind of smiling but I have no resolution (lets face it it’s just ridiculous to attempt more than one, isn’t it?) I have no resolution because I haven’t even had the time to give this any serious consideration. Mmmm what does that say about me eh?

Ok let’s think about this. The holiday was a kind of holiday, but those of you who have a family will know that your commitments during the holiday go through the roof and your time is seriously challenged. Sure I got time to put my feet up but my days were void of routine and that my friends is where it seriously unravels for me.

I need routine – OK not a rigid routine, but I find that routine helps me balance things. Towards the end of the holiday I could feel myself getting stressed and edgy at the thought of returning to work. Interestingly instead of looking forward to the routine I was dreading it. So, maybe my resolution should be to give serious consideration to a routine that works for me. Should I be writing more lists? I’m not really a list person but I do think I need a plan. I mean what kind of person can’t find time in her head and her day to come up with a New Years Resolution?

I like to think of resolutions as things that are positive, rather than denying yourself something. So, for example, instead of giving up chocolate or losing weight then I would be more likely to think of eating healthier – and hopefully the rest will follow. So what positive things would I like for 2012?

I would like to have more protected study time – I need this if I am truly going to knock my amazing capacity to procrastinate on the head.

I would like more quality time with my husband – just him and I.  Sometimes life just keeps happening around about you and it gets difficult to just stop and be.

I would like to read more.  Sure I study but I mean read stuff that I just want to read, not just the stuff I have to read.

I would like to sleep better.  Me and 3am are just too friendly for comfort.

I would like to get back to running.

OK so there is a bit of a pattern here. Routine. If I managed my routine better then most of the above are more likely to fall into place.

So folks I think I’ve just had an epiphany moment. My New Year’s Resolution is to learn to prioritise and to dig deep and say no to some of the things that get in the way of me studying, spending time with my husband, eating and sleeping better and getting my trainers on and hitting the pavement.

Oh and as last year’s resolution was such a success I think I’m going to keep it going. In 2012 I’m going to be smiling more – fancy joining me?