In the spirit of self-kindness and compassion, I’m doing the resolution thing a little differently this year. When we practice lovingkindness, we traditionally wish good things for ourselves: “May I be happy, healthy, safe, and loved.”
For 2017, I have written not a few resolutions, but many loving wishes for myself — for what I want to do, how I want to feel, and how I want to be in the year ahead.
May I greet my children each morning with a loving smile.
May I admit when I don’t know something.
May I help those in need.
May I go to bed early.
May I verify news before sharing it or reacting to it.
May I drink more water.
May I use the short walk home from the bus stop each morning to take deep breaths and express gratitude for a new day.
May I say “help me understand” when I disagree with someone’s position, instead of immediately defending my own.
May I take a nap when I need it.
May I see my thoughts as thoughts, as mental phenomena, and not as Truth.
May I continue to be politically aware and active in an off-year cycle.
May I greet strangers with kindness.
May I watch a sunrise, stare at the stars, and inhale fresh air as much as possible.
May I notice judgment, practice discernment, and cultivate wisdom.
May I tackle the hardest item on my daily to-do list first.
May I floss regularly.
May I know what I am feeling as I am feeling it.
May I contact my national and local representatives.
May I pause frequently and ask myself, “What am I aware of right now?”
May I remember to make the most generous interpretations I can of others’ behavior.
May I see and choose the most simple solution when it is available.
May I pay for someone’s coffee at the drive-through.
May I tell those whom I love that I love them.
May I make time and space for ME.
May I work with passion.
May I pay attention.
May I play more games with my children.
May I spend my money on experiences and not things.
May I remember that everyone in the world is made of sparkly star stuff.
May I count to 10 during homework time.
May I volunteer my time to causes that are important to the planet.
May I eat more vegetables.
May I do more yoga.
May I feel safe and loved.
May I courageously confront injustice when I see it.
May I help others feel safe and loved.
May I speak kindly to myself.
May I remember to take my vitamin D each day.
May I be ever aware of my privilege and my unconscious biases.
May I put my phone away during family movie night.
May I ask myself, “Is this necessary? Is this helpful?”
May I meditate, stretch, and savor my coffee each morning.
May I presume positive intentions in others.
May I be present.
- A Mindful Approach to New Year’s Resolutions - January 13, 2020
- Just This Next Step - December 16, 2019
- WAIT: A Mindfulness Practice for Waiting in Line - December 9, 2019
