Resolve to BE…v.2016

As 2015 came to a close I did what perhaps 92.7% of us do: I pulled a statistic out of thin air to bolster and rationalize my actions and looked back 365 to take stock of how I measured up to my own expectations. In doing so I came across this wee, anti-resolutions manifesto that I scribbled out in the early morning hours of the first day of 2015. I realized 3 things:

1. Nothing has Changed: I can still BE all that I want. Being a better person always applies.
2. Success Doesn’t Have a Deadline: I may have accomplished what I had intended but that doesn’t mean these goals are checked off the list. I am proud of resolving to be all of these things and more, and doing so successfully, but like me it is a work in progress.
3. I have absolutely no recollection of actually paying those parking tickets…that might pose to be a problem in 2016.

Since this piece does seem a bit timeless I thought that sharing it again with a few minor tweaks was appropriate, if only to serve as a reminder to me that I don’t need resolutions, I just need to be resolved.

…resolved to BE.

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Resolutions so often become “To Do Lists” or “Wish Lists” and while a singular task may accomplish your “to do” list, who you are can make your world a better place. It’s 2016…resolve to Be, not just Do.

1) Resolve to BE a giver. Give of your time, your money (if you can), and of your gifts. We all have gifts we can share. Be the person who recognizes what they have to give and just BE that person.

2) Resolve to BE an advocate. Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your craft. Stand up for your beliefs. Stand up for the people who cannot speak for themselves…and remember that “advocate” ( and “agvocate”) is a verb too.

3) Resolve to BE a BETTER advocate. There is no point in being anything if you cannot be BETTER. Be more focused on what you want to say. Be more present when the conversation is about what you care about. Be more respectful of others opinions. Be more concerned with advocating your beliefs and your cause than promoting yourself.

4) Resolve to BE happy. Ain’t nobody gonna put your happiness at the top of their list if you don’t put it at the top of yours.

Listening to the truth will never steer your heart wrong. Be happy and be strong.

We can all draft a list of resolutions we hope to accomplish, or wish to come true, but after 365 days go by you are left with a list that may or may not have all the boxes ticked and maybe a sense of accomplishment. Maybe. But, if you resolve to be a giver, an advocate, and to be happy you are giving the world a better you and making the world a better place.

…might I also suggest resolving to BE the person who pays their parking tickets. The cities of Boston and Portland would, in turn, resolve to BE more welcoming. (this last bit may, or may not apply to the public at large)