The New Year

I love resolutions, I really do. 

I know skeptics say, "what's so special about January 1st, you can make a change any day." And while that's true, there is something to be said for a new year. 

I'm not saying necessarily you should have an extensive list with lofty, impossible to achieve wishes (unless that works for you). But I do think you should reflect, and I think a new year is a good time to do that. We need seasons in life, we need to be able to mark the passing of time, and recognize change. 

When Amanda and I were in the 11th grade, we made a list of resolutions that filled up several napkins, mostly silly things, but we talked for hours about what we wanted our life to be like, and even if it was trite, we were at least thinking and reflecting. It came so easy to me when I was younger, and unfortunately I have to be more intentional about it now, but it's critically important. 

For 2010, I realized that I didn't really read much anymore, and I wanted to change that. And Elliott and I each read 52 books. Last year, we decided we wanted to eat less meat (for a myriad of reason, some of them here). And while we didn't always do meatless monday, we definitely had a "meatless" dinner at least once a week. 

I don't have a "theme" for 2012, but we do intend to continue with a meatless dinner each week. And I'm starting to read again (The Liar's Club, currently). And I'm trying to think through a few other things. Last year I wanted to be better at saying "yes" to things (I know, most people typically say yes to too much) but I want to make sure that I am saying yes to the right things.

It's funny when your birthday is just a few days before the new year. You turn a year older and get a new year all at the same time. So you kind of only get one chance. So for me, I'm 27 and this is 2012. 2011 wasn't my favorite year, but I'm grateful for a fresh start.