We are blessed to have it.

Time doesn’t stop for us. The speed of the clock hands or the clicking of the digital minutes on our smartphones hasn’t changed, but don’t we feel the hours are quicker to pass between the sunrise’s glow and the sunset’s amber streaks? Mom often said that time goes faster the older we get. These days, I feel like she knew what she was talking about.

Since time isn’t slowing down, what will I do with this new year? Many years ago, I moved past the “resolution setting,” and I refuse to feel guilty about it. I always seemed to have the same one and grew tired of making it. It was forever the “lose weight” goal and throwing it to the wind when life got busy and hectic, or Blue Bell was on special. Granted, I continue to fight the fight; I just don’t talk about it or post my struggle on a New Year’s resolution checklist. My scales and I have an agreement to keep it between us. Everyone is happier that way.

Starting each December, if not before, there are so many books, podcasts, and LinkedIn posts about setting goals for the year. Do the most with your time, buy back your time, and don’t waste it on the couch time. Must I buy in? Does anyone else feel it’s one more thing to fail at doing? Experts say if you don’t write it down, there’s no satisfaction in reaching it or marking it off the list. Really? Somehow, I don’t think writing “organize the closet” will add that much satisfaction to organizing the closet. Maybe I’m not dreaming big enough, and that’s the other challenge. My goals aren’t lofty enough to write down. Once again, I am tossing the inclination to feel like a goal-setting failure and that my time should be used differently.

This year, and each year I’m blessed to see, I plan to do things for the pure joy of it. A post on LinkedIn a few weeks ago (you should check out Sean Vanslyke’s weekly vlog-week #248) said chase joy and be you. It takes some of us a few circles around the sun and intentional reflection to realize what brings us joy. If you want to make a list, make that one. As a former type A baby boomer workaholic, it’s ok when it’s not a crazy, challenging goal. Run for office, uh no. Start a business, no thanks. Write a book; have no imagination. Grow more flowers, YES! Stick to no flour and no sugar; work on it. Help people, yes please. Spend more time with friends, yep. Travel more, you betcha. Write an occasional blog, maybe.

Time is short. Won’t you join me in chasing joy? It’s ok. I promise.

Have a beautiful week!

Carrie