Well, it's that time of year again, the time for the dreaded "R" word -- resolutions. Every year we make them, and every year most of last until about -- oh -- January 10th. And then we are back to our old habits again. I decided this year I am going to make a New Year's resolution that will be very difficult to break. It won't take any willpower at all, I won't have to deny myself anything, I won't even have to write it down anywhere so I don't forget to keep it. This is a resolution that, once begun, will keep itself. I have decided that 2010 is that year that I am going to ...... HAVE FUN ...!
Yes, I am.
That may sound a bit selfish, or at the very least egocentric. We are supposed to put other people first, aren't we? That is what we are taught at a very early age. I have always felt a bit like a kid outside the candy store, watching everyone else inside, loading up on all the goodies. But more than that, I have always felt that I did not deserve to be inside the candy store. I have no idea why I have felt that way -- I just have. All the wonderful things in life that everyone comes to expect, were not meant for me. And I'm not talking about material things, but the things that bring people the most joy -- the intangible things. This past year I have watched many of my friends achieve great happiness -- and I was even primarily instrumental in one instance. And then I do what I always do -- I stand back and observe -- always the spectator, never the participant.
So, this year I have decided it is going to be my turn inside the candy store. I'm not sure how I'm going to get in there, but I am determined to do it.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ... Mark Twain
Happy New Year to all my wonderful blogging friends.
Cheers,
What a perfectly marvelous idea! I have always felt much as you describe, so I may also get very bold and try to resolve to have fun in that candy store, too.
ReplyDeleteSee you there, and a very happy New Year to you, Jo.
I couldn't have said this better myself about my own life. Always looking in.So for 2010, no more looking into the candy shop, but I plan to venture into the shop.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy new year Jo.
Carol :)
What does that say about our society when people need to resolve to have fun?
ReplyDeleteSusan, if anyone deserves it, you do...! My goodness. See you inside. :-) Happy New Year to you...!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I'll be looking for you inside the candy store. :-) Happy New Year, and all the best.
Mia, it means that sometimes we are too serious. And I sometimes feel guilty having fun, for some strange reason.
Lassiez les bon ton rouler, cher! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWell, Have A LOT of fun in 2010, Jo!
ReplyDeleteI make my resolutions throughout the year - to make them at New Year is not a very good time -just coming out of the holidays.
A wonderful resolution. I always have just one resolution every year and I always keep it: No resolutions at all! Try it, it works. Happy 2010 to you Jo. Looking forward to it with Majority of Two in it.
ReplyDeleteUh jingle the change in your pocket and simply twist the knob and allow yourself to open the door. That's about the only way I know how to enter anywhere Jo.
ReplyDeleteget thee into that candy store! Cheers, and Happy New Year! jj
ReplyDeleteI used to hate the dreaded "R" word too because I could never keep them. But 12 years or so ago, I made a resolution to make no more resolutions and I've done fine with that one.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year !
ReplyDeleteThis should make for excellent blog fodder - can't wait to read all about it!
ReplyDeleteNow, I need some candy...
Jo, I love your New Year's resolution. It is absolutely perfect. I hope you are able to follow through on it and have a wonderful 2010!
ReplyDeleteI never make resolutions - it is futile!
ReplyDeleteBut I will vote for having fun and that is something I have tried to do all my life.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year and all the best in 2010! Please keep blogging, it is such pleasure to read your clever and accurate posts!
ReplyDeleteJo, What a great resolution! Since retirement over 3 years ago, "fun" has been one of my major aims in life. Believe it or not I find it "fun" to hunt for voles in my garden, making mud puddles along the way. "Fun" or "joy" can be attained in many ways I believe - it's an attitude that is contagious.
ReplyDeleteSo here's to 2010 where we can look and find some of that childlike joy again! Happy New Year Jo!!!
Happy new year Jo!! you are right .. i make new year resolutions and forget it the next day..
ReplyDeleteHave a great year!!
I don't personally make New Year's Resolutions, Jo, but I wholeheartedly applaud yours. You are deserving of every good thing the world has to offer!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, may it bring you many reasons to be merry.
I like the Twain quote, by the way. I've heard different versions of that throughout my life, one from an armchair philosopher of some advanced years, and a life of adventure behind him who said, "It's the 'what ifs' and 'if onlys' that'll get you in the end. Make sure you don't have too many of them."
Love the quote and the resolution. Sounds like it's past time for you to grab hold of some healthy selfishness! You should definitely put yourself first; the happier and healthier you are the more you have to offer.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the fun:)
Happy New Years, Jo. I love your resolution!!!
ReplyDeleteGo for it Jo! You do deserve it and it is not selfish at all! During lent my husband and I try to add a positive thing instead of taking something away. Positive things added to our daily habits leave us better people to be around. So it is a win win for everyone. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteOh, Jo! Do as Mark Twain has said and throw caution to the wind. Close your eyes and jump in. You deserve it all.
ReplyDeleteI do know what you feel like because I often do the same, myself. I hope this year just grabs hold of you and makes life so much fun.
Happy New Year, Jo!
~ Yaya
Yaya's Home
Perfect. Fun is good... more than good. I love it that this is your resolution and I hope that it is part of every single day for you. You are wonderful, Jo. SO THERE>
ReplyDeletehere's to a huge store full of candy in your new year! You go, Jo!
ReplyDeleteAs always you give such a wonderful image. Fun in the candy store. Go for it, its all yours!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Happy New Year Jo, Here's to having fun!!!
ReplyDeleteAloha, Friend!
ReplyDeleteHauoli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year)
Comfort Spiral
(love to be on your blogroll!)
Happy New year, Jo:)
ReplyDeleteThere are until now three "R's" I'd like to make true throughout the new year.
ReplyDeleteIt would be of much joy to return next year, same time, same place, to report how it went.
Please have you all a wonderful start into the new year.
Happy New Year Jo!!! Enjoy the new journey! :-D
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Jo! Good luck with your resolution. And happy birthday! xoxo.
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to following along, Jo! I can't wait to read what you have to say and see what you are up to~
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you this year...I'm going to have FUN, too!
Love to you~Rebecca
Wishing you lots of good times in 2010. Happy New year, Jo!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Jo!
ReplyDeleteAnd enjoy yourself in the candy store. I have been very lucky and have been living in there for years. See you there! Hugs, Sharon.
Happy New Year, Jo!!!
ReplyDeleteForgive my five years in the Service, which sometimes makes me an ass. But check the one in the painting!
ReplyDeleteComputer Brain says Gotta Get.
Timy Brain says no, no. Self-control!
Well, you did say fun, didn't you?
I think that's an excellent resolution. Mine is to give up abstinence.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to Josie and all here!
See you in the candy store Ms. Jo. I, too, shall join thee in this year's R plan.
ReplyDeleteStay safe though! lol
Cheers
You go girl!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have a whole bunch of resolutions that I probably won't keep. But that's ok because resolutions were made to be broken. I figure if I make a whole bunch of them and only keep half of them, it's still a step in the right direction.
Happy New Year, Jo!
Have enough fun for me, too, ok? :-)
Hello, everyone...! Thank you for all your New Year's wishes, and I will be over to visit you all, once I have caught up on my sleep. *heh*
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Cheers,
Jo