Every year I denounce New Year tradition and proclaim my distaste for the practice of resolution-setting. I suspect it has some relationship to my inner teen who still rebels against what she ‘should’ do. Or the adult me who finds certain practices trite. I mean really, how many times can we disappoint ourselves by setting up lofty expectations that crash and burn before Valentine’s Day? We mean well, I’m sure. There is nobility in wanting to improve ourselves. But when we fail, as we so often do before year-end, bitterness sets in and we end up feeling worse about ourselves. Silly mortals.
That being said, I’m willing to risk disappointment this year because I need a kick in the pants. If you’re an avid follower of this blog (thank you) you know that my posting frequency has slacked. I could blame life for getting in the way, but we all know that’s a grossly overused excuse. Nor can I claim lack of inspiration; life is too rich for that. My problem seems to be a set of impossibly high standards. You see, I want to inspire and motivate and educate. I want to write only meaningful material. I want to entertain you. I want, I want, I want. Mercy! The wanting gets in the way of the doing. And writing is something I really want to do.
So I’ve decided to change my own rules. (Calling them rules instead of resolutions might make them stick.) I can’t promise to be a writing rockstar, but I can promise to write. This year, that will have to be enough. So here goes:
Chaos and Clarity Rules 2013
1. I reserve the right to post even when the content is not profound. Sometimes simple is better.
2. I will write about life as I see it, not as the world might wish to hear it. That means things might get uncomfortable from time to time. Reality isn’t always pretty.
3. I plan to write once per week. This will be more likely if Rules #1 and #2 are followed.
4. I will not chastise myself for breaking any of the rules.
Simple, right? Cross your fingers and toes my friends. And comment and share on blog posts, even if you disagree with me. I respect differences in opinion and enjoy the occasional debate. I promise to behave if you do.
Happy New Year!
Deb
momanolian
Jan 14, 2013 @ 18:14:00
Looking to making the journey forward over the next year with you -and welcoming your more frequent posts : )
Deb Dunham
Jan 14, 2013 @ 18:34:33
Looking forward to connecting with you more at Chaos and Clarity! Thanks for joining me.
Sacha
Jan 08, 2013 @ 00:17:48
Love your resolutions. Freeing thoughts for us all. In regard to #1 – I vote that you let us, the readers, determine it’s profoundness – you can’t imagine where your experiences and thoughts take me in my life. You get to mind your own business and be the magnificent writer that is beckoning you – we’ll take it just where it needs to go. (i can say this cuz i’m saying it to myself as well!) xo
Deb Dunham
Jan 08, 2013 @ 01:00:15
We do get into trouble minding other people’s business. Good reminder that profoundness is subjective. Thank you!
Elizabeth Palmer
Jan 06, 2013 @ 22:59:41
Bring on the messy and uncomfortable! While I too am not a resolution minded person, I like your plan for 2013.
Deb Dunham
Jan 07, 2013 @ 11:27:15
‘Bring on the messy’ will be one of my new mantras. Thank you!