I don’t like to make New Year’s resolutions. I think it puts too much pressure on myself and on those around me as I draw a line in the sand and say “No longer will I …” or “From now on I will ….” and I am old enough to know that the line is quickly erased and moved to a location further down the sandy beach of the coming year.
So no, I try not to make resolutions, but I do reflect on the year that’s past and — though it sounds old fashioned– I count my blessings. I like to sit in front of the fire, Big Band music on the radio and write in a new, blank journal. I count those things that made me happy, or made me a better person, or that fulfilled my life in some way. Those things that moved me closer to my goals and those things that surprised me with joy get counted, too. I count those times when I made a difference; when I helped someone else or gave back to my family, my community and the world. I count those times I stood up for what I believed in and for those when I didn’t. I count, too, the things that haven’t worked well, things I regret, and determine if I can make amends in some way for those things.
Sometimes I do end up making resolutions and they often come down to this: Be nice. Have fun. Say you’re sorry when you need to and move on. And of course, always call for shaken, not stirred, Martinis.
Val Shaken-not-Stirred Sanford
Vice President, Strategy and Business Operations
