I saw a bumper sticker yesterday, and I think it pretty much sums up all of my resolutions for 2011.

Do what you like, and like what you do.

Now, as a 29-year-old woman, I know that I have to do a lot of things that I don’t want or like to do. I have to do laundry. I have to clean my house and cook meals. I have to wake up early everyday. I have to go to the doctor and take my blood pressure medicine. I have to watch what I eat. I have to balance my checkbook. I don’t like any of these things, but I don’t have a choice.

BUT…there are a lot of things that I don’t like to do that I can work on cutting out of my life this year.

I don’t like unrealistic resolutions.  Last year I set the resolution to read one intelligent/challenging book each month. The problem is, I don’t like reading challenging books!!! I like reading fiction, running and fashion magazines and the Bible. If I don’t like something, why should I set myself up for failure or to just be miserable? Why make myself feel guilting for breaking that resolution by February?

I don’t like “domestic” household responsibilities: cooking, baking, decorating, keeping my house clean, being the good little wifey in my apron and perfectly coiffed hair. I don’t like doing any of those things! The kitchen is my least favorite room in my house. I know that I have to do some of it, but I certainly don’t have to stress myself out if there’s some dust on my bookshelves or dishes in my sink.

I don’t like feeling like I have to be perfect all of the time. I do this to myself and all it does is stress me out. I’d love to be one of those people who lets everything just roll off her back, but that’s not who I am. I’d like to try to be less of a perfectionist and more carefree, but this will be my biggest challenge this year. But it is also the thing I need to work on the most.

So what do I like?

Well, I like my job. I’m good at it, and I like the people I work with. I resolve to keep doing my best work for LCS.

I like running and cycling and Pilates and yoga. I’m going to do more of those things this year, because I like feeling healthy.

I like spending time with Bennie. (I mean, have you seen him? He’s hot!)

I like my church, my church family, teaching the cute little three year olds every week in Sunday school, worshipping God, studying His Word and serving in any other way that I can. I resolve to do more of this.

I like teaching undergraduate communication classes, so I hope to keep doing even more of that this year and to keep looking for more opportunities to teach.

I like being organized. This year, I resolve to simplify, de-clutter and organize.

I like being with my family and friends. I resolve to spend as much time with these precious people as possible.

I really like to write, and I haven’t done much since my graduate study. I resolve to write this year.

I like pedicures and massages.

I like watching TV.

I like walking Gus.

I like being at the beach.

I like blogging.

I like writing cards and letters.

I like singing Taylor Swift songs really loudly in my car.

I like going out for Taco Bell or ice cream at midnight, just because I don’t have kids and I can!

I like euchre and board games.

I like Starbucks coffee. I like any coffee, really, but I LOVE Starbucks.

I like watching college football.

I need to do more of these things this year!!!

So there you have it. That’s my resolution: to do what I like and like what I do. When I stop liking it, I’m going to do my best to stop doing it.

Advertisement