New Year’s Intentions (new twist on New Year’s Resolutions)...by Lisa

A few years ago, I stopped making several resolutions for the new year, and instead I began making just one resolution each year. I wish I could remember what each of those resolutions was, and whether I successfully fulfilled it, but I can’t remember, except the year I decided to get in the habit of flossing my teeth. I still floss just about every day. I know, it sounds mundane, but try it, you might like it if you get in the habit. Heck, even the cat likes to floss with the other end of the strand (okay, I know, its gross, but she loves mint floss). During the last couple of years, at times when I was really low, I knew I would be okay if I could just keep flossing—and I was! Fine, go ahead and laugh. Last year, Jodi let me in on what she does as a new year’s tradition:  she makes an intention, instead of a resolution. I really like the concept. First, I like the idea of having an idea and an intention and not having the need to beat yourself up if you don’t keep up with it. Why add negativity? We don’t need any more of that. I like the idea of having flexibility to change the intention or change direction, because we know that the winds of change are constantly blowing. A year can be a long time to try to keep a resolution. I’ve been thinking lately about my legacy and what that will be. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a legacy can be a bequest of money or personal property, or something received from an ancestor or predecessor. My philosophy, shaped in part by the legacy of volunteering and serving others left by my grandparents, Adeline and Jim, is that a meaningful legacy for me is one that involves an investment of my time and talents, not just writing checks. It’s not so much an inheritance of money and possessions, but an example of serving, for others to follow after I am gone. So for 2012, my intention is to check out the volunteer opportunities in my area, and see what matches my skills and interests, and try a few out in hopes of finding one that I can invest my time in on a regular basis.  I’ll keep you posted this year on how it goes. And if you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment. I’m keeping an open mind as I look for my niche. Happy New Year, and good luck if you make a new year’s intention!