I wasn’t going to. I wasn’t going to write the ubiquitous blogger’s Resolution list. I figured any blogger who’s anyone is posting the behavior changes they’re hoping for most this year, and the world sure doesn’t need one more of those lists. But, I changed my mind. 

Only because I was inspired* to create the shortest, yet most hopeful list yet. Only three things on it. 

Once I decided to write about my promises to myself, I thought I’d look into what resolution actually means. I was delighted to see the following associated words:

courage, decisiveness, declaration, determination, earnestness, effort, endurance, explanations, fortitude, grit, guts, heart, intrepidity, loyalty, mettle, perseverance, pluck, purpose, resolve, stoutheartedness, strength, tenacity, valiance, valor, willpower 

And once I read those words, I decided that this whole tradition of resolution-setting, of deciding on and then declaring personal goals for self-improvement, goals that one resolves to pursue with fortitude, tenacity, and no little amount of pluck, is a hopeful one. It is a celebration of  and a renewed commitment to having agency in one’s life. An effort to create order amidst the chaos of our every day. Just the simple act of reflecting on what needs attention and being thoughtful about how to bring about change is a worthwhile endeavor.

So my Courageous Declarations for 2020 (and beyond)-

Positivity

Generosity

Discipline

There. My mantra for the coming year. Short and sweet. 

 

*And when I say inspired, I mean- thank you, John Lovett from Pod Save America. I totally stole your resolution list. (Since it’s perfect.)