Here we are heading into another year. So, of course it’s time again for those well intentioned New Year’s resolutions, right? I just finished reading an article that stated that while the creation of yearly resolutions goes back for centuries, in reality, only eight percent of our New Year’s resolutions are actually kept. Surprising? Maybe not, considering that many of us have a difficult time keeping a focus on our own self care.
We begin the year with good intentions for weight loss, relaxation, balance in our lives, perhaps more fun, but there is usually some road block sending us on that detour. Before we know it, we are traveling on a completely different highway.
Last year, I vowed to meet with my girlfriend every week on Sunday afternoon, out on the back porch. It would be our time to chat, maybe vent and perhaps plan for the upcoming week. This ritual actually took hold, and lo and behold we did meet most Sunday afternoons. Little did we realize that this time and place would become our mini-support group, our sanctuary and most cherished respite time. I can say that out of all my intended resolutions, this one was probably the most significant one of all. There is much to be said for the opportunity to share in life’s struggles with others who get it.
Since we were so successful with our back porch project last year, we plan to continue to meet and spend some time sharing our gratitude and successes. We have also vowed to try to learn something new each month. We will be keeping journals. Lofty? Perhaps, but I am hopeful that we can continue to build upon the foundation we have established. So, for 2014, I hope you too are able to create a little haven – perhaps with a good friend to share your challenges and successes with during the year. I also hope that you are able to make connections with those around who can help you in some way. I do believe that the sharing makes a difference. And I continue to believe we are all on this journey together.