Reverse Resolutions 2021

Instead of making goals at the beginning of every year I really, really love to make “reverse resolutions.” I make a big list of all the things I accomplished in the past year then check them off. Goals accomplished. It’s been another year of staying home.

Goal #1 Accomplished: I managed my depression well.

My family is full of high functioning people who have ADD and/or clinical depression. I didn’t learn this until a few years ago. It took my doctor quite a while to convince me to try medication and I’m so glad she convinced me. I don’t get a lot more done, I never was so depressed I couldn’t get out of bed or feel joy. But that medication lifted a heavy lead blanket off that I didn’t even realize was there. Now I have energy and begin each day with hope instead of feeling overwhelmed.

This year was much better than last year. I ate healthier food most of the time, exercised more than before, recognized when clinical/chemical depression was creeping in, and did things about it. What else helped? Medication. If your body doesn’t make Serotonin or Dopamine, store bought works. So does the light therapy lamp.

Ask me any questions you want to. I’m happy to be perfectly open about mental illness. We all should be. It’s no different than having some other visible chronic disease. Some is worse, some is more easily managed. But there is no shame in it.

Goal #2 Accomplished: Made it through the worst and came out better for it.

My 22yr old son crashed his motorcycle into the back of a car. He was going much too fast. He is lucky to be alive and extremely lucky to be recovering fully with no permanent disabilities other than bones that will predict the weather. It was horrible. It was terrifying. It was exhausting.

It has also been one of the sweetest times of my life as our family has experienced an outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and strangers, near and far. I feel a deep appreciation for the love we’ve been shown. I can’t even think about it without coming to tears. It’s humbling.

Goal #3 Accomplished: I started something so big it scared me.

I took a great big chance and a big shaky breath and set a great big idea into motion. It took a great deal of $$$ and time and it felt like a great big risk.

The Academy for Virtual Teaching is up and running. I’m helping teachers enter the virtual world and grow their businesses. This next month it feels like the training wheels are going to come off. Now I want to connect students and virtual teachers directly with a calendar listing of classes. I’m also going to invest in an online course platform for our teachers, helping more of them enter the virtual world. I’m terrified again. What if nobody shows up?

Goal #4 Accomplished: I’ve done what I could to make the world a better place.

I live in a privilege that so many don’t have access to. I feel a purpose in being here on earth, and it’s not about me. It’s about lifting others. I’m extremely imperfect here but all we can do is to keep trying. Fed-Up Durham has been one of my favorite organizations to support this year. They are proactively social justice while meeting the basic hunger needs of those living in and working for poverty wages. This is part of Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Poor People’s Campaign.

I urge you to think about sharing your resources with those who have none as well.

Goal #5 Accomplished: I made a few things I think are beautiful.

I’ve made just a few pieces of art. All small. All outside of my usual format. All of them filling my soul and my need to create. I didn’t worry about whether anyone would like them or buy them. It felt good.

What did you accomplish this past year?

Tell me in the comments. I’d love to hear about it.