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I’m just going to come right out with it: In a lot of ways, 2011 sucked.
Nationally and globally, the scene was pretty much the same everywhere—a giant vortex of crap that inhaled everything in its path.
Sure, there were some positive developments, several dictators vanquished and some kindness among strangers a la the Kmart layaway angels who paid off the Christmas balances of folks they didn’t know. And yeah, I know I should be grateful for what I have and blah, blah, blah, and I am, but really, on the whole, the year stacked up as pretty grim, with unemployment still rampant and good folks struggling to figure out how to put food on the table for their kids.
Now that the New Year is almost upon us, I am, like everyone else, trying to determine what to do differently, how to make 2012 at least a bit less dismal than last year. I’m working on the New Year’s resolutions list.
And, rather than shoot myself in the foot with a long list of stuff I’m never going to accomplish, thereby assuring that I’ll feel like a colossal failure before February even hits, I’ve decided upon one simple resolution, which I intend to enact religiously, whenever the going gets rough and the misery of last year threatens to overtake my headset.
I resolve to have another piece of candy.
My friend and fellow blogger, Chrysa Smith, was blessed during her younger years with two aunts who responded to every crisis with the same mantra: “Don’t worry about it; just have another piece of candy.” Apparently, the aunties’ philosophy got them through many a sticky situation, with a smile on their faces, no less.
So this year, I’m adopting Chrysa’s familial slogan as my own. When the going gets rough, I’m simply going to stop my stewing and have another piece of candy.
Bills to pay that tally greater than my checking account? Time for a Reese’s Cup. Yet another car problem in the Bontempo fleet of aging vehicles? I’m popping in a Hershey’s Kiss. Kids dumping a boatload of woes in my lap? Think I’ll munch on a York Peppermint Patty. The world at large threatening to implode? Show me a handful of M & M’s. And every so often, I’ll throw in a single piece of dark chocolate—just for health reasons, you know.
I’m not sure my New Year’s resolution will improve me as a human being on any grand scale, but I’m fairly certain I’ll be a lot happier, which has to be better for anyone who has any measurable contact with me, especially my husband and kids.
Plus, there is one built in benefit; next year’s New Year’s resolution is already a given. I’ll be resolving to lose the twenty pounds I gain this year.
What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2012? Click “comments” below, and share!
Maybe a spa in Hershey! Can anything be better than getting a massage while smelling chocolate? I think not!
Just read this—too funny. Thanks for the kudos to Aunt Clare and especially Pauline—a robust comedian.
For some reason, I’m feeling the need for a road trip to Hershey! Maybe the spa.
Agreed, Pat. A five-minute fix can be just the thing to keep one from jumping off the ledge. Here’s to developing a long list of little indulgences to help us through!
I think I’ve unconsciously adopted Mary Fran’s advice during this year with some real success! What you need to do is find SOME little thing that perks you up, and not feel guilty about indulging in it if you’re getting clotheslined by life time after time after time. Whether it’s a Hershey kiss or a cup of flavored coffee with real half’n’half (one of mine) or walking outside away from a noisy house or a stressful office, or doodling for 5 minutes on Facebook – you just have to reward yourself a little and not feel guilty about it.
Thanks, Lyn, and all the best for a happy, healthy, POSITIVE New Year!
So sorry you have had a tough year! We all did yet I do see the forest through the trees. Altho money and ecomony may have been slow I have seen all my friends grow in leaps and bounds. Relationships blossomed despite the money, people moved to dreamed about places, friends started businesses more in their calling, terrible situations turned into perfect scenarios. It seemed to me it was a year of deeper learnings than surface success. When one side seems uninspiring ther is always a flip in there somewhere. I see the flip of the year and am excited to resolve towards a new year. Yeah at times this year seemed never ending but it is over and there is joy in that.
I like the peice of candy thought in that reaching for pleasure and joy is always a balance for strife. You can do it will so many things though that won’t make you fat. I so love your honesty, your take on things and most importantly your authenticity in your recap. The road is bumpy in the northeast. However the adventure continues and sowing seeds is what it is all about and the time of year high for it. They certainly take there time to grow but all grows eventually, it is law! Blessings to a better year of sweet candy delights!