No Need to Think Up Resolutions this Year
Because this woman already has it covered. This is, by far, the most amazing list of resolutions I have ever seen. Even if you’re not interested in the photography goals, just cross them out and leave the others. “Live with empathy,” “work with less,” “Stop wasting. Wasting food, wasting money, wasting products.” These are wonderful aspirations to keep front of mind as you go through your days and your life.
I especially love this one, “Find a way to create more romanticism in my work.” You can substitute the word “life” for “work.” Keep flowers around. Go on leisurely walks with a loved one. Take a picnic lunch to the park. Read by a stream. Wear something pretty. Watch the sun set. Send hand-written notes to friends or great-aunts. Burn candles. Play old music. Fill a table or shelf with framed pictures of family. Wear more jewelry. Put sweet-scented sachets in your lingerie drawer. Try a new perfume. Carry a vintage hankie. Give a gift for no reason. Take a risk for someone you care about. Journal.
The list is endless. I think sometimes we get so caught up in the mundanity of everyday life that it seems impossible to make time for non-essentials. But it’s these lovely gestures and moments that make the work of everyday life worthwhile. So I think this one item might be my overarching resolution for the year.
And when it comes to dressing romantically, I think 0f natural fibers; materials that feel nice to the touch like cashmere, tencel, velvet and thick cushy knits; soft natural tones like white, cream, stone, taupe and blush; loose, drapey fit; lacy or sheer overlays; soft ruffles; florals.
So, if you’re someone who doesn’t like to think of resolutions as More Things to DO, maybe think of the year ahead and the way you want it to feel. Peaceful? Calm? Joyful? Romantic?
Here’s wishing everyone has just the year they want in 2019.
xoxo Bettye
Sarah
Yes! You’ve put into words what I’ve been striving to achieve – for me, daily appreciation and acknowledgement of all the beauty around me. Sometimes I feel like my soul is best fed by getting beauty into my cells. Ack, I’m so dramatic! Would love to see your photography goals too – I’m a bit stale. Happy New Year Bettye, thanks for sharing yourself with us!
bettyewp
Not dramatic at all – you know what feeds you. It’s so easy to overlook something like that because it doesn’t seem “important,” like food, shelter, etc. But living is about more than surviving – it should be about THRIVING.
Apparently I’m very philosophical in 2019.
jodie filogomo
That’s such a wonderful way to think about the new year. ..how do you want to feel?
I’ve been working on my word for the year, and I think I’m going to challenge myself with “spontaneous”. I am such a planner, that it’s going to be a push for me. But isn’t that what growth is all about?
Happy New Year my friend!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
Yeah, I’m not always good at being spontaneous either. I plan out my time to the nth degree so much of the time that someone says “be spontaneous and do this thing now!” all i can think of is all the things I’d planned to do that now won’t get done.
But yeah, that’s a good thing to keep in mind.
julia
I had not even given resolutions or new year challenges one thought because it seems like the worst time of year to think about losing weight or getting organized or saving money since it’s deep, dark winter. But, you’ve got me thinking about adding in more joyful items. Like, I love candles but rarely light them. I love music, but haven’t allowed myself to indulge in it lately. You’ve got me thinking…..
bettyewp
Ooh, thinking! Thinking is a good step! Change comes after consciousness. Ooh! I’m on FIYUH this year!
Nancy
Happy New Year Bettye!
bettyewp
Looking forward to your blooper post on Friday, Nancy!
Ashley
How do you want to feel- I love this! Such an easy but really effective question to ask yourself.
Wishing you a happy 2019, babe!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
bettyewp
Thanks, Ashley – and Happy New Year!
Sheela Goh
In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve decided to not set resolutions for 2019. I feel that I inevitably always set myself up for failure whenever I do. The pressure to cross items of that list become daunting then overwhelming and I give up. So instead, this year, I’m doing I AM statements 🙂 let’s see how this new approach works out.
bettyewp
I AM so glad you stopped by, Sheelah! I just saw your awesome apocalypse outfit on Shelbee’s blog this week, WHOA FIERCE!
YOU AM FIERCE.