I don’t make them. And I don’t intend to start now. I’ve already committed to some actions to safeguard (and maybe improve in some aspects) my health, and hanging them on an arbitrary date is silly. Particularly since I started at Thanksgiving, which is far more often a watershed for changes in my life.
But I do want to share a small resolution that I make everyday, and I invite you to join me.
I never say “no problem.” It is always “my pleasure.” To reply “no problem” implies that there might have been one. If you ask me to help you, I never want you to think that it might have been an imposition. If it was, and I couldn’t help you, I would have already told you so. It was my pleasure to help.
The next one is harder but I try. When asked how I am, I strive to remember to actually answer the question, briefly and in a positive manner. I realize that most times, the question is perfunctory, and the other party is not looking for a blow-by-blow, so brevity is important, but “not bad” is not a good answer. If things are crappy (and they have been off and on this past year), I say so, but spare the listener the detail: “It’s been a tough time but we’re hanging in there. Thanks for asking.”
Two simple things, but they make a difference. For me anyway. And I hope for the people around me.
Two great bits to consider in the year ahead. It’s important to think about how we respond to others. Side note: I’m often dissatisfied by my older teen’s responses to my questions: I dunno, I guess, maybe…
Best wishes for the year ahead.