Resolutions - based on resolve

The road leading to my house in Tomahawk, Wisconsin

I saw a meme the other day that said the year 2022 is pronounced the same as 2020, too. Hope it won't be a repeat of 2020!

I was feeling a bit down, but then the snow fell and Tomahawk transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland, the angst and stress of 2021 melted away and I felt happy, hopeful, and excited for the upcoming holidays.

I am also very excited for 2022, simply because it has to be better than 2021!

2021 was a personally challenging year. I ended up having some surgery this year (went very well) that took me out of commission for a month or so.  Of course, there was the intermittent home schooling due to COVID contacts for my two daughters. Then came more than our share of childhood illnesses and injuries with my older daughter requiring surgery shortly after mine. Then I got COVID – fortunately not a bad case, but I did my part to separate myself from the family to keep them healthy.  It didn’t matter much, because five weeks later, my younger daughter and my husband both got it about the same time, and then sharing it with the older daughter, all who fortunately got through it unscathed. That wasn’t true for some of dear friends who have succumbed to the virus. I’ve been to more funerals this year than ever before. 

So, as I’m happy that 2021 is coming to a close, I think about what 2022 can bring and also about what things I can do to make it a great year.  This is a great time to think about resolutions -- and the resolve it takes to make them a reality.

RESOLUTIONS

Me and my family standing by a Berntsen marker at Four Corners in 2021.

First, I resolve to live a healthier lifestyle.  Eating better and being more active are certainly common denominators of this, but also just making sure that I’m taking better care of myself, seeing my doctor regularly, and listening to my body’s needs . . . especially when it comes to stress and sleep. 

Second, I want to reconnect with family who may not be as close.  One thing the last couple of years has taught me is that life is short.  Personal connections are important and I want to make sure that I continue to have strong personal connections with my family. 

And lastly, trying to find some joy and positivity in situations.  I lost a very dear friend of mine unexpectedly this year.  She and I go way back to grade school and swim club.  She was such a positive person and made a huge impact to our small community. She owned a local business, employed local people, and helped so many feel better inside and out.  Her motto was, “Have your best day!”  That statement reminds me that we can do one of three things in life:  We can make things happen, watch things happen, or wonder what just happened. 

I don’t just want to sit back and let life happen, rather, I want to get out and start living life to its fullest.  Why should I just settle for having a good day, when I can go out and make it my best day? 

JOY

I was at my younger daughter’s holiday program last week and their theme was just one word, “Joy!”  It was a stark reminder that through it all, even in the darkest of times, we need to find the simple joys. I’m grateful for 2021; even though we were all tested, those tests in life teach us that kindness and caring are what really matter. I can be joyful for those results, and with that, I believe 2022 will be even better!