My one New Year’s resolution was to eat a bowl of Frosted Flakes that I had hidden away in my closet.  Seems a bit extreme unless you consider that I live with young adults who will eat whatever they find as soon as they find it.  My big challenge was overcome when I discovered that there was milk in the fridge.  Quite a feat when you consider that I buy at least five gallons of milk each week.  Milk that my husband and I don’t drink.  I am telling you this to give you my perspective on New Year’s resolutions.

I used to make resolutions each year and occasionally I would make some progress or would be somewhat successful in obtaining them.  Generally speaking they would be abandoned rather quickly or as most often happens life would change the course of things and other priorities would come to the fore.

So as age and hopefully wisdom would have it,  I have now abandoned the “tradition” of resolutions.  This year’s popular media take is for celebrities to tell you what they resolve not to do.  Age has taught me that this is a dangerous practice as “never say never” has become my mantra as time goes by and I have had to do things I never thought I would even consider.

So with my limited wisdom I put the following forth for your consideration.

New Year resolutions are rather arrogant really – to presume that you know the course of events that will come your way or that you have any kind of control over things you may or may not do is ridiculous really.

I’m not saying not to have dreams or goals.  I’m not saying that you shouldn’t strive for self improvement or to break bad habits.  Those are all noble endeavors and often obtainable.

A resolution is a firm decision not to do something and you just can’t make that promise to yourself or anyone.  You can come up with a dream or desire, turn it into an obtainable goal and make a plan with concrete steps to get you to that goal.  Just know that life happens and in those steps there should be room to shift gears or directions if necessary.

My best advice is to try and be the best person you can be in whatever situation you find yourself in.  If there are things you want to change work on that but don’t beat yourself up.  Sometimes good enough really is good enough.  Do good for others, be kind, be generous with whatever you might have and smile – OFTEN!  Even when you don’t feel like it.

AND if you must have a resolution than just resolve to do the best you can with what 2016 brings your way.