It’s the first Friday of the month of December. Down to the wire here in 2020, the year that lasted 12 years! Let’s take a look at my resolutions progress.
How I do in the final weeks of the year will certainly shape my expectations for 2021. I suspect that a handful of these resolutions will follow me into 2021! I don’t necessarily think failure to complete in this year means failing entirely. I think the failure comes when you stop trying. That said, there are a few resolutions that I flat-out stopped trying. I’ll touch on these as I go.
1. Read 52 books – I actually don’t know how many books I’ve read this month. I’ve lost count. I think it’s more than five, though! I might be closer to fifty by December 31st, due to my own procrastinating on reading. But I’ve got a month. I can do incredible things at the eleventh hour.
2. Do pull ups – I can’t remember the last time I did a pull up at the gym! I find it ironic that at the beginning of the year I told myself “I’m not going to prioritize the handstand, because I really want to nail the pull ups,” only to then prioritize the handstand and not focus on the pull ups! This one’s coming with me in 2021, for sure.
3. Spend LESS. TIME. SCROLLING – For a time last month, I stopped looking at social media for a few days because I couldn’t stand the constant political updates (and later, lack thereof!). It was so freeing! I went back after the election ended (technically, ended, that is! There’s still the official electoral college and this year, who knows how that will actually happen), but I found myself not truly enjoying Instagram, which I find profound, since it’s the first thing I look at most mornings. It’s something to consider.
4. Write 104 Blog Posts – I’m starting to rethink my math here… I think I calculated 52 weeks, by two, to get 104 posts, and this post marks my 94th post of the year. Are there five more weeks in the year? Is that mathematically possible? I may have miscalculated my numbers based on my scheduling on Sundays! I’m not worried, though. This one’s getting hit, with pleasure and pride!
5. Romantic trip with Aaron from Dec. 26 2020 – January 2 2021 – Distressing news! Due to the recent and ever-growing spike in COVID cases, it would appear that my end of the year resort trip is at risk in the name of public safety. I am honestly heartbroken. I know there’s a pandemic, and if plans fall through it’s no one’s fault and the safe thing to do. I was just really looking forward to having a nice, loving vacation for just Aaron and I. I know that once there’s an approved vaccine, eventually things will return to normal, and whenever that happens, we’ll do a lovely vacation together. It’s just very sad. I’m counting my blessings though. If the worst thing COVID-19 does to me is cancel a few vacations, I should be thanking the universe for such a gift.
6. Stop engaging in internet schadenfreude – I feel like I’ve slowly returned to one of the people I was actively avoiding, but other than that the others I actively avoid are still being actively avoided. If I find myself slipping back into old habits of toxic rabbit holes, I’m great at reminding myself of my intention with this resolution and moving on with my day.
7. Take better care of my skin – My previously mentioned burn-stache is almost fully healed! I’ve started reincorporating face washing back into my skin, and I expect a full recovery within a week. Overall, my skin is looking much better this year!
8. Go stargazing – I’ve been taking in the sky even more on my walks! I’ve been enjoying the sunrises too. I’m thinking I’m going to take advantage of my time off at the end of the year (which I’m taking no matter WHAT vacation does or doesn’t happen) to go stargazing on my own. That gives me time to research what constellations are visible this time of year.
9. Get a new job – Still applying. Still flying. Who knows what comes next? If I don’t get one this month, you can bet money that this resolution will follow me into the new year!
10. Do a handstand – I’m making baby progress more and more each day! I don’t know if my strength is there yet to complete it in the next month, but I’m bringing it into 2021. I’m not giving up on this one!
11. Go see two of my favorite performers – Not happening this year. Thank goodness I made a list for next time.
12. Lose weight – I’m not going to hit my goal weight in a month unless something horrible happens. I’ve started keeping a more consistent journal, and making healthier choices with what I eat. I read a great book this month that helped me better shape my weight loss goal! I’ll talk about that in my monthly reads post for this month.
13. Give Aaron a great birthday – Mission accomplished! As we speak, the majority of his Christmas presents lie in the guest bedroom, waiting to be wrapped. What fun!
14. Be a better friend, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter – I saw both parents this month, and spent Thanksgiving with my siblings, We had a great time! I called my grandfather twice as well, but even that feels like it’s not enough. I saw some friends for a “Friendsgiving,” and remained patient with Aaron as he dove headfirst into a big personal project. I think I did well with this one this month! I want to really finish strong in December.
15. Be happy. I’m holding on with baited breath. What comes next? What awaits us this month? Next year? Five years from now? For now, I’m content. Eager, hopeful, and content.
Tomorrow holds more reading, present wrapping, and ten thousand steps. Let’s keep it moving!