There can't be many people who aren't seduced and swept away at the promise of a new year and a 'new start'.
In reality, we know full well that there is no new start because the date changes, but it is a powerful thought that at the chime of the clock, you have another chance to turn it all around.
For many years, I would make the same, tired resolution to lose weight and be more successful, but I gave that up a while back when I decided to make smaller resolutions that would really make a difference to my happiness and those around me.
Last year, my mum complained that I would never hug her. I guess this was because as a mother of two young children, my hug quota was used up on them, coupled with the fact that I am always too darn worn out (from the kids) to remember to do these things. So, last year, my resolution was to give my mum a hug every time I see her (which is most days). At first I would forget, but she would soon remind me, and now, it comes naturally and automatically to give her a squeeze when we say goodbye.
This year, I resolve to play more with my children. I work from home so I am with them once they finish nursery at midday, but I am not always 'with' them in my head as I juggle the writing, being a mother and a housewife. Although I interact with them constantly and we are always out doing something fun, I need to also stop doing the things I think are so important at home (which in reality are not in the greater scheme of things), and give them unadulterated playing time more often - before they grow and decide they are too cool for me! I say this tentatively because it isn't realistic to be playing with them 24/7 and I am sure it won't always work out with the daily work and chores stacking up, but I really, really intend to do it.
When it comes to Larnaca, we all hope beyond hope that 2014 will be better. The words that I think sum up 2013 are 'desperation' and 'survival' and I would like to see these turn into 'regeneration' and 'positivity' in 2014. I want the sad, empty shops to be full of life again; I want to see smiles on faces and upbeat attitudes. When you ask someone 'how are you?', I want to hear that actually, they aren't too bad!
I think that society has got used to the idea that to be happy you have to have abundance – an abundance of the latest electronic gadgets, an abundance of food that you end up throwing away, an abundance of holidays and night outs. We need to adjust our expectations of what we actually need in abundance to health, love, fresh air and quality time...
…which is why I resolve to play with my children more!
First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly newspaper, Saturday 28/12/13
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