resolutions

Most people plan their year from January 1st. There was a time when I did too. But after all the bustle of Christmas, I am too tuckered for high quality assessments and goal planning. Luckily my birthday is at the end of January so I changed my process many years back to plan from birthday to birthday. This gives me the month of January to thoughtfully resolve to be a better human in every way I believe I can conjure in the coming 12 months.

I used to feel a little smug about the diligence of my planning ritual as it compares to Keith’s. But over time, I’ve grown to feel a little foolish instead. When I am prepared, we traditionally have a lovely lunch to discuss the year ahead. I review spreadsheets, assessment, action plans, metrics, trackers, mission statements - you get the idea, right? He nods his head approvingly.

Then it’s Keith’s turn where he says the same thing every year, some version of , “I don’t make resolutions. I just do what’s important and try to enjoy my life.” I nod my head approvingly.

Somehow, despite our diverse paths, we each arrive at the end of each year, satisfied with another chunk of our life together.

Keith is the best man I have ever known. He inspires me everyday to try to float down the river instead of swimming against the current. Maybe someday I’ll learn. In the meantime, every new year is a delight.