New Year's resolutions are a funny thing. They seem designed only to make us feel guilty and deprived: spend less, drink less, weigh less. So how about resolutions to have more, to feel more, to do more and see more? Resolutions like: at least once a day, close your eyes and absorb the world's details through touch. Feel the cool rasp of a rock, the soft tickle of a feather.
Keep fresh flowers in the house at all times, be it a bountiful bouquet...
...or a single blossom.
Bring fewer throwaway items into your home. Invest instead in pieces that you'll have forever: a chair whose every spring squeaks a story...
...a blanket that only gets softer with each passing year.
Get courageous in the kitchen. Try a daring new recipe once a week...
...and eat it at the table, not in front of the television.
Treat every journey like a grand adventure, whether you're going across the street...
...or across the ocean.
Eat more vegetables.
Eat more fruit.
Listen to your doctor, and get more calcium. But let it be a vehicle for more cookie dunking...
...a means to more milkshake making, more french fry munching.
Go to the beach more, even when the weather isn't perfect...
...and while you're there make s'mores.
Celebrate more. Raise a toast to even your smallest accomplishments. Throw a party and be your own guest of honour.
Here's to the tears and triumphs of 2008, and to the challenges and joys that 2009 will surely bring. Happy New Year!
All images courtesy of Con Poulos.
Sweet post with beautiful pictures, thanks.
Jennifer
http://blog.jenniferlorton.com
Posted by: jennifer lorton | December 31, 2008 at 05:45 PM
I agree, the new year should be about doing more than less! Have a wonderful new year! :)
Posted by: Tina | December 31, 2008 at 05:45 PM
Great post! I definitely need to go to the beach more even when its kinda windy and cold. I am adding it to the list!
Posted by: Design Lovely | December 31, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I love your resolutions and the photos! Too bad you're a couple hours away, you could have an endless supply of flowers all summer here :)
Posted by: dolce chic | December 31, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Good to see you picked an Aussie photographer's pics for your inspiring post!
You have such a gift for words Anne and what you say is so wise and true. I'd like to hang on to this post and re-read it periodically throughout the year to remind me to take pleasure in the little things. Happy New Year to you.
Posted by: Catherine | January 01, 2009 at 02:47 AM
That's a gorgeous list. I think I might try the new rceipe once a week as well. :)
Happy New Year.
Posted by: Trailingspouse | January 01, 2009 at 05:56 AM
Anne, I absolutely LOVE this post! Maybe my favorite you have ever done! It is so in line with my philosophy of life and you just inspired me to have an even better 2009 than I was already planning and expecting to have!! I am going right now to get out one of my pretty journals and a beautiful pen and start writing down all the amazing things I want to do in 2009!!! Thanks for planting the seed! Happy, happy new year! I am certain that it is going to be a GREAT year! Tobi
Posted by: Tobi Fairley | January 01, 2009 at 07:45 AM
i love this post! these are lovely resolutions and a lovely philosophy on resolution-making. i hope you have a wonderful 2009 and i look forward to more sage advice!
Posted by: julia | January 01, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Splendid! I'm totally with you on all these points for a 'more' 2009. Thank you for a lovely post. Happy New Year. Denise
Posted by: Denise | January 01, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Beautiful!!
Posted by: Annie Empiric | January 01, 2009 at 03:46 PM
happy new year anne. thank you for this, it's lovely & inspiring.
xo
Posted by: christina | January 01, 2009 at 05:33 PM
What a lovely post. Thanks for sharing it!
Posted by: Kristen | January 01, 2009 at 06:13 PM
One of the best posts I've read in a while! What a great way to start the new year!! And such great images!!
love & abundance to you!!
Posted by: joy | January 01, 2009 at 07:52 PM
How wonderful, thanks for the inspiration :)
Posted by: Jenny | January 02, 2009 at 03:18 AM
Your images and thoughts for the New Year are divine.
May your 2009 include all of these things and more!
xo
Brooke
Posted by: Brooke Giannetti | January 03, 2009 at 01:56 AM
Hear hear! Happy New Year to you. Looking forward to much inspiration from your blog in 2009 - one o my all time favourite reads.
Clare
Posted by: Clare | January 03, 2009 at 02:41 AM
oh, this post warmed my heart. your picture choices are just lovely! how i wish, i could run my toes through the sand in '09, too.
here's to making dreams come true in '09.
happy new years!
Posted by: Kellie @ this blessed nest | January 03, 2009 at 08:29 AM
lovely, and i agree with you 100%.
Posted by: Lori | January 04, 2009 at 05:47 PM
Oh, these are fabulous. Happy new year to you.
Posted by: ambika | January 05, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Anne, you summed up my New Years sentiment to a tee! A little peace, rest and relaxation that lasts throughout the year would make the world a calmer place!
Posted by: Erin | January 05, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Anne, these are absolutely the most perfect kind of resolutions! Here's wishing you a 2009 that is filled with wonderful things in your life and many moments of s'mores on the beach!
Posted by: Courtney | January 05, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Thank you for the thoughts and inspiration...it is just what I needed. Happy New Year.
Roxanne
Posted by: Roxanne | January 06, 2009 at 06:33 PM
such a lovely post. true inspiration to live by. thanks for the optimism.
Posted by: a pretty pill | January 07, 2009 at 02:05 PM
thanks again for the inspiration - hope you've been enjoying my attempt at an homage at apt34. PS - I'm dying for the recipe for the cookies in this post!
Posted by: Erin | January 08, 2009 at 10:15 PM
Thanks for this great advice. All this tips are really very good.
Posted by: Aparna | February 09, 2009 at 12:24 AM