This year instead of making all the typical New Year’s promises to myself about diet and exercise, I decided to do three simple things to make my life better: Read, Play, and Drink. It’s sort of like the novel Eat, Pray, Love, but without all the travel.
1.Read.To those who know me, this may seem like an odd resolution, because I pretty much have a book going at all times. Typically, more than one. But not long ago I realized that I was reading more and more books that are work-related and fewer books simply for pleasure. I resolved to change that this year, and I’ve loaded my To-Be-Read Pile with a ton of titles that are purely for fun.
So far, I’m loving this resolution. Amazing how much time I can find to read when I’m actually looking forward to the story! I’ve already read half a dozen books since January 1. My favorite so far is the brand-new one by Robert Crais, Suspect. This story features two wounded protagonists: an injured LAPD police officer and a German shepherd that was hurt in combat in Afghanistan. This story roped me in on page one, and I recommend it to anyone who likes suspense, especially if you happen to be a dog lover.
2. Play. My second resolution is to play. With my family, that is. As our lives get busier and busier, I am finding less time to simply hang out and enjoy my family’s company. It seems like we are constantly rushing around everywhere, scarfing down meals before soccer practice, racing to finish homework, hustling out the door. This year I vowed to make more time to put work aside and simply “hang” with everyone. I’m loving this resolution, too. The other night, in the midst of a crazy deadline, I spent an hour sitting on the floor in my den playing Legos with my daughter. It was so fun! Legos are good for the soul.
3. Drink. This is on the advice of my doctor. Last time I visited him, he advised me to drink water like crazy. So I am. I have never been one of those dutiful eight-glasses-a-day people. I’m more the guzzle-caffeine-and-diet-soda-all-day person. But I’m making an effort to drink water now, and I’ve been amazed how something so simple could make a difference in how I feel. Do you drink enough water? Try it and see what you think.
Did you make any unusual resolutions this year? Have any 2013 book recommendations to share? If so, I’d love to hear it!
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I was easy on myself this year. My only two goals are to survive the year and to embrace change – because I knew going into 2013 that it was going to be a bear of a year. (Even though it’ll be the year of the snake.)
There are so many good books coming out again this year and I can’t think of a single one right now.
I totally hear you about the water, Laura. I know I need to drink more. I know I feel better when I do. But I never seem to want to drink water.
Hi B.E., The water thing to me is all about convenience. I like to reach for cans of soda so instead I’ve stocked my fridge with bottled water (which I can refill from the tap), but now I’m always armed with H20
Love your resolution about embracing change!
Those are great resolutions, Laura!
I have trouble with the water too since I am hooked on Coke Zero, but the play part I’ve been working on. Last year, after saying I was going to for years, I bought a pontoon boat. We can get lots of friends — and all seven grandchildren on the boat!!
As busy as our lives are, we have to take time to have some fun and enjoy the people we love. Great reminder!!!
Hi B.J.,
Fun! Austin is a great boat town. So relaxing to get out on the water. Enjoy!
I think I’ll join you with those!!!!
Easy and simple changes. But they can make such a difference. I’m a big water drinker. I easily see the change in my skin if I skimp on the water.
I get Crais’s newsletter and have been hooked on the blurbs for Suspect. But no pleasure reading for me until the Rita books are done and my deadline is past!
Hi Kendra,
I haven’t finished my RITA books yet, but couldn’t resist a new book by Crais. He’s great.
Just lighten up is my new motto for the year. And drinking more water is part of that…it does help you lose weight and just feel lighter. And lightening up on the work goals, allows for more family and friend fun time….balance…maybe that should be my new life goal:) So hard to achieve, though.
Hi Deborah,
That’s a deceptively simple goal. I like it. Good luck through the year
I’m trying to get back to drinking more water this yesr as well. I was doing pretty well last year only drinking a sugary soda on weekends, kinda lost control during the holidays! I’m really looking forward to reading Suspect, I really liked Taken. It was my first book of 2013. I think my favorite books so far this year are: The Black Box by Michael Connelly, and Forbidden by Ted Dekker.
Great post…I especially like the part about drinking water. I, too, prefer caffeinated diet drinks, but am reminded how wonderful water is when I work out. I’m going to double-down on efforts to stay better hydrated during the day.
I don’t usually do resolutions, but I love yours. I may have borrow them!
This year I am focusing on drinking less soda and doing things in baby steps. We are all leading busy lives so anything is better than nothing…. Can’t fit in hours at the gym, but have 20 minutes to do some crunches or even dance around your kitchen? It is something… My other goal is to write more. I have a life goal of writing a book just so I can say I did it. So I want to write more this year.
I recommend “Into the Darkest Corner” by Elizabeth Haynes.