Who Needs a New Year?

November...has historically been a difficult month for me. Many of my loved ones have passed away in November.  The most difficult one of all, the loss of my mother, happened on November 23rd. Her service was held the day after Thanksgiving.

November is also a month where being thankful is on everyone's mind.  Thanksgiving leads the way but there is also Veteran's Day, All Saints Day, (Religious observation) and World Kindness Day. Did you know there was a World Kindness Day?  I didn't.

November has also been a month when I begin to think about change.  Maybe that has to do with the fact that I turn a year older every December.  Whether or not that is the reason I always seem to reflect a lot in November.  So I decided this year I am not going to make New Year's Resolutions this coming January.  I am going to make a list this month.

A list of all that I hope to accomplish in 2014.  A list of everyone I hope to see and places I hope to visit.   A list of all the things I would like to own.  I am going to list all the goals I would like to at least take a first step in achieving.

Most importantly, I will make a gratitude list, a celebratory list, a resolution list of past resolutions.  I want to remind myself that New Year Resolutions are not a waste of time, they are not impossible to achieve and in fact can be made all year round.

Why do we wait for a New Year to decide to go for it? Some of my best decisions have been made at the end of summer, mid year, which I believe happens because after frolicking in the sun for two months wouldn't anyone's head be clearer?

So make a list today.  Make several lists.  But don't forget to make a list of how far you have come in life.  How many resolutions you have already completed.  My goal this November is to check off a resolution on January 1st, what a way to start the New Year!

Smile,
Valerie