I love writing lists. I write to-do lists that sometimes are three pages long. I love having a visual reminder of all the things I have set myself to accomplish. There is no better sense of achievement than when I tick one of the tasks from my list.
At the start of each year, I always sit down to write my new lists. I write lists for birthday preparations. I write lists for projects around the house. I especially write lists for my writing projects. Writing these lists is one of the best parts about a New Year starting.
Every year, I write my list of New Year’s resolutions. Every year without fail, I have never ticked anything from that list. Every year, my list of New Year’s resolutions is my most unsuccessful, least accomplished list. Last year, I only wrote one thing on that list: use less toilet paper – and I still couldn’t master a tick against that!
I would much prefer to start this year looking at the positive. I will not write a list of New Year’s resolutions. My past has only shown me that I can’t keep them, paving the way for disappointment and guilt. The start of this year heralds a new outlook and a new attitude. I am going to focus on the good. This year I want to build on the things that make me happy, that make me feel confident. I want to try my hardest to keep disappointment and guilt at bay.
Ever since returning to work after maternity leave, I have fallen into the bad habit of not wearing my wedding ring. On most days, it sits in the drawer, in the dark. Every time that I have not worn my wedding ring, I have only felt disappointment and guilt. Wearing that ring every day will make me feel better, happier. I love the symbolism that the ring represents and the day it reminds me of. I want to feel the weight on my finger, a reminder of the man I love and the family we share. I will try my best to wear my wedding ring every day.
I won’t be writing that down on a list. I don’t need to.
Are you a list writer? Do you follow your New Year’s resolutions?
