Maybe “kept” is the wrong word.  Perhaps a better phrase would be “followed through on”.  “Kept” might mean you put it in a drawer and forgot about it.  Out of sight…out of mind.  Do people even make New Year’s resolutions anymore?

I am definitely a “list” person…so making New Year’s resolutions was always something I looked forward to doing.  Every year, on January 1st, I’d sit down with a fresh sheet of paper, a sharpened pencil and a heart filled with high hopes and expectations.  I’d think about what I wanted to accomplish in my life for the up-coming year…healthwise, emotionally and academically.  Drink 8 glasses of water every day.   Get to bed early.  Walk or exercise daily for at least 30 minutes.  Be compassionate.  Speak kindly to others.  Read something uplifting every day. 

When my children were growing up, we sat down once or twice together and made our New Year’s resolutions.  I think this was a wonderful family activity that might create a better parent-child bond…sharing the lists might help parents learn more about who their children are…and might help children learn more about who their parents are.

As I’ve matured, most of the items on the list have remained the same.  But, I’ve added others.  Stretch my mind.  Do things that are outside my comfort zone.  Stand up for what I believe.  Speak out when I should.  And, just as importantly, keep quiet when I should. (Good advice to parents of grown children)

Do I follow through on all of my resolutions every day of the year?  No, I don’t.  Do I beat myself up for “dropping the ball” sometimes?  A little, but I try not to.  Will I make a list of New Year’s resolutions next year?  You bet I will.  For me, it sets the tone for the direction I want to move in.   It encourages me to tackle projects I might otherwise choose to postpone or ignore.  It helps me to  be a better me.