Tiffany Painter

It’s that time of year again. Everyone is busy making their New Year’s resolutions. Promising to eat better, work out more, find a work-life balance, spend less time on social media. Ever notice how resolutions tend to be about changing yourself? A new calendar means there needs to be a better, brand new you. The idea of new beginnings is a a chance for a do-over. That sounds like the makings of a Hallmark movie, or maybe I watched too many of them this last month. But before we start reinventing ourselves, let’s stop and notice who we are at the end of this year. We will never be perfect. It’s time to put away the notion that a new year equates to a new person. Maybe, just maybe, the person we are today is worth keeping. Why do we always want to throw out all the hard work we’ve already put in and start over? Instead of looking forward, take time to look back. Pat yourself on the back for all the times you did reach for your goals. Enjoy where you are right now. Life is messy and the picture is not going to be without smudges. After you realize you aren’t half bad after all, go into the new year with some revisions in mind for that first draft. You don’t have to throw it in the trash and start over.

12/24

not a star in sight
just the lovely moon up high
pulling us along

12/26

after holiday
will share the couch for a nap
even with the cat

12/27

when the sun is up
but the bed is calling out
must follow your heart

12/28

stronger than nature
protected from windy days
staying put till spring

12/29

looking for treasure
difficult task when lacking
opposable thumbs 

12/30

end is approaching
time to reflect on changes
relish all the growth