Wednesday, January 13, 2010

new beginnings

There's nothing like a brand spanking new year to fill a person with hope and optimism - at least this person, anyway! January seems to bring an array of possibilities that didn't seem credible in December - capricious December - when it seemed there was a never-ending list of things to do, gifts to buy, and places to be. January is a fresh start. In January it feels like life begins anew.

I've noticed this year there have been a number of articles about the silliness of New Year's resolutions - both in print media, and on blogs. New Year's resolutions seem to have gone out of fashion. It seems they breed a sense of failure and disillusionment when they are not maintained.

Personally, I've always liked to think about what I want to do better, or more of, or less of, at the start of each year. I can't recall ever writing down formal resolutions, but I like to take stock. I like to try to learn from the mistakes I've made the previous year. I like to plan for new ways to extend myself - learning something new, helping someone out, travelling somewhere I've never been before. It's so exciting to think that even as we grow older, we can do new things. I hope to be taking up Tai Chi in my eighties. If I'm not strong enough, I'll start cryptic crosswords. If I've lost my marbles, well hopefully I won't know and I won't care!

If anyone feels brave, maybe you could leave me a comment with your thoughts on the coming year. Any travel plans? Anyone going to learn a new language, take up a new sport? Anyone planning new careers or volunteer work? What about just a change of hair colour?! I'd love to hear your ideas ... silly, sensible and anything in between.

Happy 2010 to all of you lovely people.

17 comments:

thisisme said...

We are talking about going for the ultimate in new beginnings and trying for a baby in a few months. That'll do me for this year - that and enjoying being married.

Happy New Year Jelly!!

Stomper Girl said...

I think you should take up cryptic crosswords earlier in life, so as to ward off befuddlement in your advanced years and allow you the clarity to start a new thing every New Year!

Happy New Year Jelly. I'm all about bravery this year.

DB said...

I've been retired since 06 but with prices going up everyday decided to go back to work. During my working life I never did retail always manufactering, so now I'm going to a grocery store as a cashier and stocker. Major difference.

Susan Tidwell said...

I posted a few plans for the new year on annual do-over. Other than that, how about stop, look around, have fun, enjoy the simple stuff.

Happy New Year Jelly!

Motherkitty said...

I used to liken the new year to a fresh, unused tablet that we purchased for school. All the possibilities. A clean start -- I will do better in school, I will be a better person in life, I will not make the same mistakes as in the previous year -- but then with that first scribble on the first virgin page, everything changes.

A new year, to me, means that mentally I can make all the resolutions I want in private. If I keep them, I will be able to boast about them. If I fail, then I don't have to make excuses to anyone other than myself.

I vow this year to take better care of myself, lose weight, watch less TV, drink less Coke and more water, eat more veggies, and not be so sedentary.

My major resolution is to not judge others so much but to put myself in their shoes -- something I failed at miserably last year. It's so easy to judge people. It's not so easy to eat one's words once they come out of your mouth.

Jellyhead, I hope you and your lovely family have a great year. I know we will (if I can only keep my mouth shut).

Jellyhead said...

Hi, thisisme .... I love YOUR plans for 2010!!

Stomper, I'm intrigued that you're planning for bravery. I personally thought you had that covered already. Sending you every good wish for the coming year.

DB, that must be a huge change for you. I hope things go smoothly, and that life treats you well in 2010.

Hi Susan! I have been reading your blog still (in fact, everyone's blogs), and I love your ideas for 2010. You are always such an inspiration!

Motherkitty, your plans for 2010 sound very wise. I got a bit of a twist in the guts when I read your resolution about not judging others, because after spending a lot of time with extended family over Christmas, I've been doing a fair bit of that judging thing. So I'm right there with you on that one! I think I do it to somehow bolster myself, make myself feel like I'm a better person/mother/wife/daughter .... but the truth is that I just end up a far worse person for doing the judging. Thanks for reminding me to stop, and take a good hard look at myself. Have a wonderful 2010 Motherkitty :-)

Mary said...

Well I can only sum it up by an interview I heard with a fellow yesterday on Radio National - his book is entitled "If you are falling - dive!"

Isn't that fantastic - so purposeful - something I would like to be better at this year..

Puss-in-Boots said...

Oh it's so good to see a post from you, Jelly. Happy New Year!

I feel that a New Year means that anything is possible, and it is. I aim to finish my book...it's getting there. I did a lot of writing over Christmas.

I hope to go to Europe in August...I need lots of money though, what incentive to finish my book, eh? We won't think about it not been taken up by a publisher...

Kerri said...

Each new year does seem to be a new beginning...a new starting point in the constant quest for self improvement.
My house will hold less clutter...and I've made a good start on that one, with the indispensable aid of Kylie. What a helpful daughter!
I'll strive to be more thoughtful and kind, and less self-centered.
That's a tough one!
I will take time to read more books!
Learning something new is always a good feeling!
You're right, Jelly, it's a good time to take stock, look back, look forward.
Wishing you and your dear family health and happiness for 2010, and a warm hello to Jellyma! xoxoxox

Pam said...

Well, I came on here to suggest that you should post more often... and then found that you'd produced a new one. Still, if you see a hint for a resolution here, feel free to take it up!

I read on a blog (and I can't remember whose, silly me) that her resolutions were, Be good, Try harder. Which seemed rather inspiring to me. Mind you, I'm sure you're good already.

Heather said...

I plan to meet a dear friend in person for the first time, ever, in 2010!

eryn said...

Hi there Jelly :)

I think I haven't commented before but have read your blog for a wee while. It always cheers me up and sometimes tear up! So thank you for that!(Also I'm a brand new doctor, which is so tiring sometimes, you know? When I read your stories and others like it, it reminds me why I do this and how much I love people).

This year, I'm going to be a better listener, even when I'm tired. And I'm going to be kinder to others...and to myself. And ask for help and support when I need it.

Take care, and I look forward to reading what you have to say over the coming year!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year Jelly!
My Mum asked me about my resolutions this year (which is odd because I don't think she has before). When I replied that I want to find the Magnificent Man I'm going to be with and begin a relationship, she chided me. My Mum said just live your life and he will turn up.
Well, I have tried doing that for while and he hasn't so far. And I figure at 36 if a woman would like to be married and start a family she had better become proactive about finding a man to do that with.

Alipurr said...

Jelly, it is funny how like my mom I am! :) And I didn't even know it. Like Motherkitty, if I do any resolution type thingies, I don't make any formal occasion of them. I do them in my head secretly, because almost more than anything, I hate following the crowd. My biggest resolution every year is to not have the same resolutions as everyone else :). That said, I think this is a year of personal growth for me, a year to go ahead and do some things I have been putting off. I am going to sign up for a couple of sewing classes at the local fabric shop. This year I am more hopeful, more peaceful, and more in the moment. I resolve to slow down and stop what I am doing and really listen when people talk to me :). Funny, mom and I were doing something the other day (and I cannot remember what), and I said, hey, you should tell Jelly about that (oh wait, it was a funny doctor/patient thing....you'd have to ask her)

John Cowart said...

Hi Jelly,

I'm delighted to see a new post from you. I hope the troubles you mentioned previously are now past and you'll feel free to resume postings.

Thanks for your comment on my blog. Yes, I think it's wonderful that so many talented people have spent so much energy to translate the Bible for us.

It looks as though this year I'm being pushed into learning more computer stuff, especially things related to e-books, PDFs, DRMs, and e-pub.... I need a translator to tell me what all the jargon means!

Jellyhead said...

Thanks for all the comments...

Mary, good to hear from you again :-)

Robyn, best of luck with your book!

Hi Kerri! Have a wonderful 2010, won't you?

Isabelle, you always make me grin. Yes, I will try to post more.... just for you ;-)

Heather, how very mysterious ;-)

eryn, thanks for leaving me a comment. I know what you mean about the challenges of being a young doctor. I still feel very challenged by my work, but it is getting slowly easier (most days!) All the best for this coming year :-)

Rachel, hello and you go girl! I agree about being proactive!

Alipurr, you are the loveliest soul... have a delightful 2010!

John, it is always a great pleasure to hear from you. Good luck with all that IT stuff (all a big mystery to me!)and with your writing in the year ahead.

Meggie said...

I read this post some weeks ago, but have been a little preoccupied.
I have decided I am going to begin to take those bus trips I have always dreamed of. I begin in March!