I am not opposed to winning or losing at a New Year’s Resolution. Everyone loves a chance for a refresh. However, I also totally understand that there are a lot of feelings around the expectations for a New Year, the push to be more when we are already being so much. So this New Year, I’m doing a little hoping, and a lot of looking forward.
I’ve always loved having something to look forward to, so that’s what my New Year’s focus is going to turn to. Certainly, looking forward to things involves a little hope and resolution if you do it right, so it’s all good things, all excitement, and no pressure.
This year I’m looking forward to….
The first perfect spring day.
I know, we live in a place where the weather is pretty perfect most days throughout the year, but that first perfect spring day where you just feel the shift in the air, in the season, where you smell the orange blossoms in the air, and you just feel all the hope of spring – that’s something I’m looking forward to! I want to embrace that day, pack a picnic to take to Libbey Park, play some tennis, go for a hike, sip a latte in an outdoor cafe, and generally embrace the essence of spring.
The first perfect summer evening.
One thing I love about Ojai is the summer nights. The days are hot, but the night cools to perfection. When the switch to that undeniable feeling of a summer night occurs, it’s time to linger at dinner outside. It’s time to fire up the barbecue and put on some music in the backyard to enjoy as the light extends into the evening hours. It’s time to enjoy the first outdoor movie night with the perfect combination of a summer day turning into a summer evening with a blanket on the grass. It’s time to take an ice cream cone to the front porch to watch the sunset.
The last day of school.
Taking the last day of school photo to compare to the first day of school photo. Dropping gifts for the teachers. Jumping into a pool or any available body of water after school and eating all the watermelon all afternoon. Tossing all the paper into a fire pit at the end of the night. I look forward to this day, and it’s actually great because the fun of the day is that it is also about looking forward to something – summer!
The perfect beach or lake day.
There are just certain perfect summer days and I’m so lucky to have them from time to time. Being out on the lake in my sister’s boat, or canoeing until your hands blister. Lying on warm sand or cartwheeling down a beach. I’m never the person who has time off in the summer, so these perfect days are few and far between, but much appreciated. This year, I’m hoping to make the annual camping trip with my girlfriends that I missed last year. These memories are everything to me.
The return of Watermelopalooza.
I used to have an annual summer party that I called Watermelopalooza. I don’t exactly know how I developed it, but my appreciation for watermelon turned into a summer party where guests would bring either a watermelon based dish or drink, a watermelon “imposter” dish or drink (something that looks like watermelon but has no watermelon in it… like a .. red velvet cake frosted in green) or make a watermelon carving. There was judging and prizes and lots of eating. It’s been on hiatus for the last years due to a move and coronavirus, but this year? It’s back. And I’m pumped.
More visits to friends and family, further away.
Now that my new job is remote, I’ll have much more flexibility to visit those I love further away. I can’t wait to be able to work from my sister, niece/nephew, or girlfriend’s living rooms for a day or two while I spend the evenings enjoying their company in person.
The first day of school.
That feeling of refresh again – I am all about it. Torturing the kids with first day pictures. This will be the first year I am a little sad I won’t be walking my son to class (middle school!), but I love that feeling of possibility every one feels on the first day of school. The urge to do better this year, to have the best year yet, the wonder of what’s to come, it’s a precious feeling.
A better than ever Halloween.
This year’s Halloween was pretty amazing, and I can’t wait to make an even better one. The pumpkins on the porch will multiply. The costumes will be more elaborate. The trick or treating will continue. And who doesn’t look forward to a candy free for all.
A better than ever Holiday Season.
This year I truly hope and resolve to have the best holiday season yet. 2021 was pretty fantastic with my truly impressive holiday porch and my decorated home welcoming guests to a fun holiday open house with hot chocolate bar, but I hope 2022 welcomes a less stressful approach to gatherings (COVID… are we done yet?)
Looking Forward
There are so many more things I’m looking forward to, especially after envisioning all of these. But when I envision each, you know what I don’t worry about? I’m not thinking about how I will look in my swimsuit, or what calories I will count or consume in the moment. I am looking forward to making new memories with those I love, those who are laughing with me and not judging me.
So, while New Year’s is also a great time to evaluate wellness and fitness, and I am also looking forward to the long-term benefits of my new daily yoga routine (will it stick?), I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on the beauty to come this year through moments and friendship and food and laughter.
What are you looking forward to this year and what can you do now to make that perfect moment even better when it’s time has come?
