Goodbye New Year’s Resolutions

Antelope Canyon, Arizona (April 2008)

From the myriad bits and pieces of all the reading I did this year, my mind keeps returning to a story about a woman who gave up New Year’s resolutions in favor of choosing just one “theme” to guide her year.  I wish I could remember the source of this story so that I could give the author credit for this idea, because I find myself musing about it as we approach another new year.

I can’t remember what theme the author selected as the focus for her year, but I have spent some time imagining what “mantra” I should choose for 2011. . . Creativity?  Generosity?  Frugality?  Quest?  Friendship?  Service?  Personal growth is important to me.  What might help me to become a more authentic and better person?

I’ve decided that my theme for 2011 will be “Depth.”  This can become my guiding light for the coming year – in my thoughts; in reflections on my reading; in my writing, art and photography; in my activities and actions, both ordinary and less ordinary; in my relationships with family and friends.  This one word encompasses the attentiveness with which I wish to live my life.  I believe a little more depth will enrich my life.