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Worthy Resolutions

© Cristy Wright

I began noticing the commercials in November. Get in shape, they said. Lose weight, quit smoking, give up red meat, eat more vegetables. Every year, advertisers prey on our collective guilt and insecurities to force us to make public promises of improvement. Not surprisingly, most of us break under the pressure within the month, reverting back to our old habits, only now with a new burden of failure. The advantages to this practice continue to escape me.

Although a committed non-resolver, in anticipation of my esteemed readers' needs, I have labored tirelessly in my spare moments - while driving, showering, waiting in line at the mall, chasing greyhounds off my wrapping paper, laundry - to concoct a list of what I think are more worthy resolutions than anything Madison Avenue execs could devise. (Well, except for Reconcile 2000. Making peace with estranged loved ones always gets my vote)

So, in the year 2001, I submit that we resolve to do at least one of the following:

When I look in the mirror, I will not ruminate on the inadequacy of my nose, thighs, stomach or hips. I will celebrate the simultaneous strength and gentleness of my hands, the power of my mind, and the depth of my curves, for they make me the woman that I am.

I will overlook my spouse's inability to pick up his underwear or clean the toilet and focus on the comfort of his embrace or his quirky manufactured swear words so as to not supplement the children's vocabulary.

I will remember that if not for my mother-in-law, my spouse would not be the fantastic man he is.

I will make snow angels and build a snowwoman. (Kids are optional)

I will rejoice in the differences that make up my family, instead of pressing them to conform to my way of doing things

I will recapture the joy and carelessness of childhood by engaging in one of my favorite youthful activities.

I will remember that nothing worthwhile in life is achieved without risk.

And finally.....

I will always make time in my life for me for I am the only me I've got.

Happy 2001 Everyone!

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