Resolutions for the New Year? I have none. But I do have lessons from last year that I am carrying over to this one. If I must resolve to anything, it would be to not forget them and remember them as I venture into what I expect to be an exciting time for me and my family.
Time has a way of passing by so quickly. It’s so easy to forget so it’s important for me to write them down.
Most memorable lessons from 2011 for me are:
- I learned to better reject negativity and embrace love.
- I learned that opportunities are never really lost and that a “good” opportunity is relevant.
- I learned the value of quality in friendships and that quantity has very little to do with it.
- I learned to accept that I am not a follower – I learned there’s nothing wrong with that.
- I learned to ignore the chatter and trust my gut. Some of my best decisions came about this way.
- I learned that I can develop a better opinion about places, people, and things when I shut up about my own, shut out other people’s and just observe and listen.
- I learned that I don’t always have to share my opinion…no matter how strongly I feel it.
- I learned that I really love living in New Jersey (and that it doesn’t suddenly make me a NOT New Yorker) and that where I live is faster to get to than most boroughs of NY and yet still it terrifies people – I learned that those people are stupid.
- I learned to respond to the question “Are you going to be NJ City Mama now?” without throwing death darts from my eyes.
- I learned to laugh about it.
- I learned to take breaks and disconnect – I learned that I really, really love that.
- I learned that even some of the most well-read blogger have no clue and even not really all that liked, but no one will tell them. (I would, but see lesson #7).
- I learned that the least read blogger is usually the most interesting overall.
- I learned to eat smaller meals throughout the day and drink more water.
- I learned to tell my family and friends that I love them more.
- I learned that I hate attending conferences – I learned there’s nothing wrong with that.
- I learned the importance of flossing…after I learned I had the first cavity in my life.
- I learned that I really love being in a space where no one blogs or uses Twitter, at times more than I love being in the space with people who do.
- I learned that I am lucky in so many ways. This lesson keeps me grounded and grateful on a daily basis.
- I learned that even at this age I still have so much to learn.
Happy New Year!
Alma Pacheco
Carol,
This is a great list of all the things you've learned. The NJ comment made me laugh. Congrats on getting voted in the 100 mom blog, that is a great honor. You were the first blog I started following. I found you on Twitter. It open a whole new world for me. Now i have started one on my own. I recently lost my job and found more time to spend with my kids and alone. I started it less than a month and i realized i have a lot to learn. I hope to write a list like this this time next year. You are a great writer and have a beautiful family. Feliz Año Nuevo!!!
Carol Cain
That's wonderful Alma! Congrats on starting your blog, will definitely check it out. Thank you so much for your kind words and continued readership and support : ) Happy New Year to you as well!
Elisa
Much as it happened every time we had conversations in real life (man, do I miss you!), this post made me nod, and smile, and sometimes laugh out loud (#12? True story :-)). Those are fabulous lessons, most of which I am still working on, myself 😉
Happy New year, Bella! May this be the year that I manage to fly to NY and hopefully enjoy the pleasure of your company again!!
cancan
thank you for being completely who you are this year.
Carol Cain
Thank you Elisa!!! I hope you do make it to this side of the world this year! Fingers and toes crossed : )
Carol Cain
Big hugs and love to you Cancan! xoxoxo