A No-Resolution Resolution

A new year has arrived. 2014. Wow! I remember as a child wondering if I’d still be alive in the year 2000, and what would life be like then if I was. I think I was all of 10 at the time. To think of living to the age of 60 or 70 or 80 is hard for a child to comprehend. At the time I thought anyone who was 21 was old. But once I reached the age of 21, no age looked old.

Of course there’s always talk of making New Year’s resolutions. There’s the standard ones – lose weight, becoming more physically fit, save more money, get more organized. Some make the resolution that they really are going to go on vacation to the place they’ve always wanted to go or take a tour or go on a cruise. Most resolutions that are made often don’t make it to the end of January.

The saying “that’s on my bucket list” has become quite popular. I’ve spoken with many people who tell me they have a bucket list. I’ve been told by some folks their New Year’s resolutions is to cross off things on their bucket list.

In a way, I have a bucket list and I’ve crossed off a few things on it.

When I think of it, it seems like not all that long ago, but it was seven years ago last fall that one of the big trips on my list was to some day go to England. Ever since my teenage years I’d wanted to see England and taste some of the foods. That dream came true and I was able to enjoy three weeks there.

I love country music and it was always in the back of my mind about going to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. That hope was realized as was the chance to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium. Added to what I considered the highlights of that trip was buying music in the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, having lunch in the Wild Horse Saloon, and walking down Music Row.

For years I’d watched shows about Las Vegas and was always in awe of the costumes dancers wore when performing in shows. Their choreography made my head swim. And then, because of people I’d met in a chat room, I booked a flight to Las Vegas. Not only did I get to see the lights and sights of Vegas, but I also was able to meet some of the people in person I had up until then only talked with in the chat room or on the phone.

This year I’ve decided not to make New Year’s resolutions or try to cross things off my bucket list. Instead I’m going to concentrate on how I can live each and every day to its fullest by doing the best I can, whether it’s through finishing a project, or taking a trip I’ve always wanted to, or spending more time with family and friends, or helping others however I can. And then, when I look in the mirror at night, I can say, “Good job. You didn’t break one resolution you made.”