The Dreaded NYRs

kiehart
Jan 1, 2023
1 min read

Aren't you tired of listening to people ramble on about New Year Resolutions (NYRs)? For at least sixty years I’ve been aware that NYRs are a thing people track. I'm definitely tired of hearing that someone resolves to:

· lose twenty pounds (no, you aren’t)

· stop smoking (maybe you will, but more likely you won’t)

· stop drinking (does wine count?)

. stop biting fingernails (until the next stresssor)

· volunteer (perhaps for the first month or two)

· call the parents at least once a week. (Ermm)

· learn to swim (possibly)… scuba dive (doubtful)… to golf (maybe)

· do better with saving money (no, you won’t)

. give more to charity (nice thought, but doubtful)

· write THAT book…..Ahhhhh – Now you’ve got my attention. I’m all in! What can I do to help? Let’s break it down: What kind of book would you write? Which books in that genre have you most enjoyed reading? Do you belong to a local writer’s group? Do you know anyone currently writing in that genre?

If every NYR received the same response as the book writing, would you find yourself following through at least until mid-summer?

NYRs seemingly are well intended, but are they more likely to be expressions of dissatisfaction? By not keeping NYRs, do we reinforce discontent? I think as we age, it becomes more difficult to change habits and routines.

Perhaps we should keep it simple. Maybe there is one resolution we can all accomplish in the New Year that will stretch beyond next December 31st:

Let each of us resolve to be more kind in 2023.

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lin0rez

Jan 01, 2023

Thank you for this. I have someone who needs to read this, she has been wanting to publish a book she wrote but hesitant. Hopefully this will give her the push she needs

September Post

September isn't just a Month--it's a Mindset

Photo: Monarch Pass, Colorado, September

Let me begin with a quote that captures the quiet magic of this month: “September tries its best to have us forget summer.” – Bernard Williams.

There’s something bittersweet about September. It’s not loud with excitement and energy like July or with sparkle and shine like December. It whispers. It reminds us that change is approaching—and change can inspire personal reflection.

In the Northern Hemisphere, September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and trees begin their slow, spectacular transformation. Leaves shift from green to gold, amber, and crimson—nature’s final fireworks before winter’s hush.

September teaches us that slowing down doesn’t mean stopping—it means preparing. Families switch into school mode. Farmers begin their harvest. Animals start their migration or gather food for the colder months.

September is a quieter month. The rush of summer fades, and the frenzy of the holidays hasn’t yet begun. There’s time to think. To breathe.

I’ve always found September to be a time of clarity--my 'chill' month. It’s when I take stock of my goals, reconnect with my values, and prepare for the final stretch of the year. For me, it’s about recalibration.

So what is September, really? It’s a month of balance, of beauty, of quiet transformation. Observe the changes that surround you each day. Be reminded that change doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.

As we move through this month, I invite you to let go of what no longer serves you. And prepare, with purpose, for what’s to come.