Experience

I don’t make resolutions as I know I won’t keep them and it’s a sure setup for certain failure and feelings of guilt.

Even thinking of goals can be a challenge. Meanwhile the new year speeds merrily off without me while I struggle to come up with a plan. I’m so not a planning type of person and wing it last minute most of the time which can be exciting and stimulating, but not always the best approach.

I do like the idea of a word to define the new year though. I’ve been pondering what word would best define and motivate me as I move forward into 2017.

I decided on Experience. I recently turned 57 and by this age, I’ve seen a lot and experienced a lot. I tend to get into a “same old, same old” mentality at times and not appreciate the wonder of each day. Thank goodness for my writing and photography to remind me of the wonder of each moment of being alive. Even the most simple and routine days have their beauty and mystery if I look hard enough. No two days are the same even though they might sometimes feel that way.

Experience seemed the perfect word for me. I need to be in action and experiencing instead of only watching from the sidelines. Often I get into a rut and fall into that “watching a movie” feeling.

Since I’ve been home and not in the full time work world, I notice I tend to stay in my comfort zone and not venture out of it too much.

Being a passive introvert, I need the occasional kick in the pants to change routines that are so ingrained after 57 years.

I need to grow and be challenged. I notice I haven’t been trying new things that much lately and have gotten too comfortable in my routine. Time to shake things up a bit! Time to take a course, learn a new skill, travel somewhere new, meet new people and do things I’ve never done before.

Occasionally new experiences can be uncomfortable, difficult and even unpleasant. They are still a time of growth and challenge us to be strong, accepting and resilient. We often don’t realize how strong we are until we are tested in a new experience.

Experience can also be applied to living a more minimal life.  Since my mother’s death, I am trying to be less concerned about material things. My mom had so much stuff and it overwhelmed her at times. I also get overwhelmed by my stuff. It clutters up the place and costs too much. It also takes time and work to keep it organized and under control. And you don’t get to keep any of it once you die. It will be left for others to sort through. What’s the point of having all that stuff? I need to get rid of things that don’t bring me much joy and only bog me down. If I focus on experiences more than things, I am certain to be happier and more fulfilled.

I hope you all have a good year and your experiences make you grow, show you how strong and clever you really are,  as well as bring you joy and fulfillment.

Have a happy 2017 full of wonderfully magical experiences, everyone!

I'm taking part in Laurel Reagan's Word of the Year Linkup at her blog here 

What's your word of the year?