Chill! Or, Kathleen’s New Year’s Non-Resolution

Yesterday, Lisa wrote about how she doesn’t do New Year’s Resolutions. I’m the opposite. I’m usually 100% all in on resolutions. I’m also in on relentless self-improvement, overwhelming workout plans, and just-in-general pushing of myself.

This year, though, I’m going to chill. 

Ok, but I’m looking at that sentence now and thinking “chill” seems like a weird and sort of inadequate resolution.

 In fact, I’m declaring right now that it’s not a resolution. I do not resolve to chill. 

And, I don’t even mean “chill.” What I mean is, I’m going to try to make the right decisions each day and not get so worked up.

Sure, but yeah right. 

I’m a debut author in an incredibly busy and important season of my new career. Getting worked up seems highly likely. To be expected! But, I resolve to TRY to keep things in check.

There it is! I smell a reasonable goal.

2019 has been a year of incredible change. I signed a two-book deal with a dream publishing team in January. I gave notice at my day job–teaching kids, a profession I’ve engaged in for twenty years–that same month. I finished at my school in June. I edited my first novel. I wrote a whole new book in ten months. I started working from home. I went on a pre-publication tour. My daily schedule looks insanely different than it did a year ago.

And in 2020, a lot of big things are going to happen, some of which I already know about and some I’m sure I can’t predict. As each thing–thrilling and/or agonizing–comes down the pike, I’m going to try to take it as it comes. I might miss some opportunities. I’ll definitely make some mistakes. 

But I’m also publishing a book! I’m traveling to at least eight cities to promote it! I’ll be editing my second novel and pitching my third! I’ll read at least a book a week! I’ll get outside in my running shoes! I’ll take my older son to visit colleges! 

One thing at a time. One celebration, one heartbreak, one challenge, one decision at a time.

That’s my resolution.

I’m going to chill.