This is the time of year when just about every one is resetting themselves for the new year ahead. It’s when we set our resolutions to do those things we’ve failed to do in the past year. You know how it goes… I’ll eat better, lose weight, do this or do that. But the problem is, by around February many of our goals have been discarded. We stop going to the gym, stop reading the books, stop whatever else we’re not used to doing.
I’m no different.
But this year, I want things to be different. Being a mid-lifer, my perspective on things is a little bit different. I’m healthy and I don’t have any worries about my health, but I also see that I don’t have as much time as I used to. Not that our time is guaranteed, but you know what I mean.
When I was in my 20s, I had 50-60 years to look forward to (at least in my head). That’s a lifetime away and I did not worry. In my 30s, it was the same thing. I still had 40-50 years ahead of me. It made me feel like I had l plenty of time. Then my 40s hit, and life had plans for me and that decade went fast! Now, I’m 51 and I feel like “oh crap!” what happened to my first year in my 50s? You see, this is on my mind because for the most part, my family doesn’t appear to have long life spans. Plus, time does a funny thing. It seems to speed up with the decades. So now, in my 50s and if I’m lucky, I have maybe 20-30 years ahead of me. While it’s still a lot of time, I also know that time is but a blink of an eye.
For my resolution this year… I want to slow down. I want to be more intentional in everything I do.
That’s going to be tough for me. I have a never ending to do list both at work and at home. I like to get things done and done quickly, and move on to the next item on my list. But when I do this, I don’t think I’m being mindful. My body is moving too fast for my heart and my mind to be completely in it. I’m on auto pilot. I think that’s why I don’t hardly remember what I’ve done this past year. I know I got things done. I’ve taken care of things. I had to, right? Life demanded and I served. But if you asked me for details and what was most memorable… I couldn’t answer you. That’s sad and I don’t like it!
So for this year, my intention is to step away from the “rat race.” That’s a contest I don’t want to win. I want to slow down and just be in the moment as much as I can. Don’t get me wrong, I still have plans and goals, but my approach to it will be different. My goal this year is to be purposeful and mindful with the things I’m doing. Whether that’s washing dishes or starting a new project. My intention is to give whatever I’m doing my full attention (mind, body, and heart) so that at the year end of 2023, I can say what I’ve done and feel happy about it.
My intention for this year seems simple. But I have a feeling it will be like climbing a mountain for me. I do expect tough spots, but I also expect beautiful vistas and areas of peace where I can rest. I have to remind myself that it’s not about getting to the top of the mountain, but the climb itself that’s important.
Photo by Federico Bottos on Unsplash
