LUCY BURDETTE: Are you superstitious about New Year’s Day? Did you have lucky black-eyed peas? Did you make sure you were doing the things that you wanted to keep doing over the year? (I completely believe that if you forgot to do any of this yesterday, you can do it today or another day this week and all will be well!) I’m pretty sure we’ve discussed this topic in the past: that you should spend part of the day/days in the new year doing things that you hope you’ll be doing a lot of all across the year.
I would consider this a kind of intention-setting with action. In sports, psychologists and trainers talk about spelling out your goals and then repeating them enough to develop a strong habit. To be specific, here’s what I did. I wrote, because I want to have a year full of writing, good writing, good stories! I also practiced my ukulele, because I’m determined to get good enough to be able to play with a group in public. And I practiced some French because that’s another goal for this year. Finally, I started out the day with a yoga class that I love on Zoom. If I can keep up with all of those aspirations, it will be a miracle!
How about you Reds? Are you superstitious? Did you set any intentions for the new year?
RHYS BOWEN: I do always start the new year with intentions. I have a pretty note book that was given me years ago and every New Year’s Day I read what I wrote for last year, my hopes, plans and see which came to fruition and which did not. Then I do the same for the upcoming year.
We go for a walk if the weather is fine–which we plan to do every day all year. And I may try to get a little writing in as deadline is looming.
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Lucy, that is SO impressive! And Rhys, I love that notebook idea. Love to hear more! I completely believe in affirmations, and learned that from Sue Grafton, of all people, who I still think of all the time. Yes, I am affirming my intentions like mad. But only out loud to myself.. And I’ve never heard of “spending the day doing the thing” but I love that, and that’s certainly what I’m planning to do. (The line between “plenty of time” and “OH NO THE DEADLINE” has just passed.
Secretly, I have a great idea, and next year at this time, we shall see. (See? I almost changed that to “I think I have a great idea” then decided to stay confident.
HALLIE EPHRON: I am not superstitious about New Year’s day. Once upon a time I made resolutions but then I’d lose them. I so admire anyone who makes resolutions and hangs onto them. A new notebook! Ukulele and French!! Wow. Boy would I welcome a “great idea”...
Last year my goal was just to get through the year. Be there for my kids and grands and friends. Don’t need a “resolution” for that. And I’ve emerged in pretty fine fettle… whatever fettle is.
Next year I would like to get back to writing fiction. Walk longer and more regularly. And I’m looking forward to teaching. I’ve got several gigs lined up, including a week for the Guppies. My favorite.‘
LUCY: I don’t see how you could have had resolutions with the year you had Hallie! We are all grateful you’re feeling better. I like to think of mine as more like intentions than resolutions. Somehow that hairsplitting takes the pressure off:). I’m very suggestible!
JENN McKINLAY: I can never seem to get my act together by New Year’s day. I have taken to celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year, which is on January 22, 2023 (year of the rabbit) for those of us who need the extra 22 days to get sorted. I do like having intentions and resolutions but next year I have decided to embrace the empty nest we’ve got going and make 2023 the year of me. It becomes a habit when you’re a wife and mom, I think, of putting your wants and needs after everyone else’s. I am determined that next year, I’m going to move myself up a little higher in the queue. I think it’s time. So, instead of putting off the things I want (new kitchen) because someone else needs a new car or whatever, I’m holding my ground and the kitchen comes first. At least, that’s the plan. We’ll see if I stick to it!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I’m like Jenn this year - I’m still catching up from the last minute rush of Christmas (and sitting Samantha’s cat and Youngest’s dog) that I haven’t taken the time to set my goals for the new year! I have a work book I’m making my way through titled YOUR BEST YEAR, and I hope to come out the other end with some clear goals and the strategies to put them in place.
Does that mean my intention is to eventually set intentions?
As for superstition, just one: the first visitor of the New Year must be a dark haired man, and I’m getting that this year, as Guest Son (you will remember him living with me during most of 2020) is staying over that evening, and he is, you guessed it, tall, dark and handsome. A perfect first-footer!
DEBORAH CROMBIE: I like "intentions" better than "resolutions", too, Lucy, but I hadn't heard of "doing the thing," although I suppose starting as you mean to go on makes sense! I've given myself until today, though, as the 1st was for black-eyed pea soup and taking down the Christmas tree and decorations.
I don't have a special journal for yearly goals, but I do try to jot some things down in whatever journal I'm currently using. And one of my intentions for 2023 is to do those regular affirmations. I believe in the power of affirmations, but they are a habit that is easy to let slip.
Julia is going to have to give us all tips!
How about you Reds? Intentions? Aspirations? Resolutions?
