New Year's Resolutions 2017

I just looked back at my 2016 New Year's Resolutions and 2015, and 2014, and 2013. They're all suspiciously similar which means I rarely keep my resolutions. So … why make them? Well, for one thing it forces me to decide what self-improving aspects of my life are important and even if I don't actually accomplish them, I'm at least cognizant of them.

I'm pleased to report that I did manage one important resolution this year. I ate healthier and lost weight and now weigh much closer to my “ideal” body weight (whatever that really is), have lost two full sizes in jeans (very important) and I do not qualify as obese using the AHA website scale (what a relief!).

No secret diet … I've been eating less carbs which means I've pretty much eliminated junk food and sweets (but not wine!). I also bought a Fitbit last June and have used it fairly religiously (until this holiday season). I've found it to be an excellent incentive for walking and exercise.

On the other hand … I did NOT finish writing a book. I've made absolutely NO progress on the new website. We've actually reduced the daily blog to 3x per week instead of daily, mostly because we didn't do as much sailing/traveling this past year. And as for being kinder, gentler and better-natured … man, this is the hardest one of all. David is the patient, kind, gentle one and I need to counter-balance him, I think.

Nevertheless, looking ahead at 2017, I resolve to ...

  1. Finish writing a freakin' book, for heaven sakes!
  2. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise
  3. Spend less and enjoy more
  4. Stay in better touch with friends
  5. Be kinder, more patient, less judgmental (maybe impossible, but worth another try)
  6. Learn something new … perhaps #5 above??

I encouraged David to make his resolutions and share them, but no dice. The Captain doesn't resolve!

So … did you make any New Year's Resolutions? Will you keep them?

Remember, January 17th is Ditch Your New Year's Resolutions Day, so there's still plenty of time.