Shoud Haul-d Acquaintance Be Forgot…

January 10, 2010 at 11:32 pm Leave a comment

So maybe you had some big ideas right around the end of December. Maybe you thought, “This is the year I’m actually going to do all of the stuff I always say I’m going to do.” As the champagne bubbled and 2009 waned, you were full of promise. You were going to organize your closets, run your first 5K, learn how to use mascara and liner to properly execute the smokey eye look. You would lose weight, stand up straighter, buy only organic and drink 32 oz. of water a day.

I know. I’m that way, too. As I told a friend this week, I know the idea of starting fresh at the new year is a little cliché, but I still love it: I’ll grab on to any new beginnings — with their sense of promise — that come my way. I’ve had years where I’ve set monthly goals and met them. I’ve had many more years where my ambitious January plans fizzled before Valentine’s Day. So, sure; I’ve got stuff I’d like to achieve and accomplish this year. But the only thing I’m going to hold myself truly accountable to is this: relentless positive thinking.

I’m going to do my best to be positive about everything and everyone. I’m not saying I won’t have moments of all-out bitchiness, but let’s hope they’re fewer and farther between than in the past. Even in situations where you’d think only a crazy person could find something positive, I will find something to smile about. Yes, haulers: I will be that crazy person.

Along those lines, if you’ve already tripped up on your grand plans for the new year, here’s a little positive present to start off the second week of January: I’m granting all of us a do-over. Life’s not all or nothing, so why should our 2010 game plans be that way? If one day of football-watching and eating chips seemingly derailed you, DO OVER. If you just can’t seem to find 15 minutes for a much-needed walk during the day, DO OVER. Take as many do overs as you need; just keep moving forward.

And if you need something to make you laugh, check out how I rang in the new year. The headgear isn’t mandatory at the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park, but I think it’s rather flattering.