More of this, Less of that!

Resolutions are marvelous, whenever we make them. But before we can chart where we want to go, we need to honestly assess where we currently are.

Like every year, 2024 had points high and low. There were times that we liked and times that we didn’t. Let’s take a good look at all of it—the good, bad and in-between—so we can deliberately choose more of what worked, and less of what didn’t.

The one caveat: no unfriendly self-judgment! The purpose of this review is to be helpful, not harsh. If you’re the sort of person who regularly reads this sort of blog, you’re already committed to being the best you can be, and we like that about you. So, maybe you could use a gentle tweak here or there. So, who couldn’t?

In the spirit of self-loving honesty, here’s a handy worksheet to help you review.

Mental and emotional well-being

When were you happiest? What were you doing, with whom (pets count) and where? Or maybe you weren’t doing anything at all; maybe you were just sitting in the sun. (That also counts.)

When did you feel most alive?

When did you laugh the most?

Physical well-being

How does your body feel right now? Did the past year’s activities (or lack of activities) make you feel better or worse?

Do your clothes fit? Is the scale your friend?

Have you been exercising to the best of your ability, in a way that’s somewhat enjoyable?

Have you seen your dentist and optometrist lately?

Have you been spectacularly disciplined—or at least laudably diligent—about eating your fruits and vegetables?

Work

If you’re working, are you enjoying your job?

If you’re loving it, are you actively appreciating how much you love it? And maybe helping your colleagues to enjoy it too?

If you’re disliking it, is it time to make a change? If you can’t change the job itself, can you change how you approach it?

Spirituality

If you practice a religion, do you feel deeply connected to your beliefs, place of worship and religious community? Or do you need to reforge that connection?

If you have a spiritual practice like meditation, yoga or chanting, have you been practicing on the regular? Or do you need to bump it up?

Over the past year, have you spent much time in Nature?

Creativity/Art

Have you recently availed yourself of museums, galleries, theaters and concerts?

When you felt creative, did you honor your impulse to sing, write, paint, dance? Cook, sew, design, decorate?

Did you allow yourself to express yourself without filling out a report card?

Relationships

Do you owe any apologies to friends, relatives or acquaintances? Do you owe any apologies to yourself?

Have you tried to make any new friends lately?

Have you reconnected with any old friends?

Have you engaged in any acts of random kindness with absolute strangers?

Intellectual

How many books did you read last year?

Do you consider yourself informed?

In the past year, did you consider “thinking” a valid pastime? And did you make room for it?

On the average day, how open-minded were you?

Humanistic

Did you reach out your hand to someone in pain, no matter how well you knew them?

Did you engage with your community?

Did you volunteer your time, effort, skill or resources to any groups you support?

 Now for the super fun part

         In 2024, what did you do really, really well?

        What did you learn?

        How did you grow?

        Whose life is better because you are in it?

        What part of your year was absolutely perfect?

        What do you love best about yourself?

In summation:

In 2024, what brought out the best in you? More of that, please.

In 2024, what made you feel not-so-hot? Less of that, please. 

Solheim Senior Community wishes you all a tremendously happy, healthy and fulfilling new year. Because we all want more of that, please. Happy New Year and much joy to you!