A New Year’s resolution is a secular tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice, such as opening doors for people beginning from New Year’s Day.

– Wikipedia

January 1, my birthday.  Many ask, “Does it totally suck having a birthday on New Year’s Day?”  “Well, I don’t really know any other way, so, no!,” I answer.  In fact, it’s quite cool that I share a ‘new year’ with the calendar, and that everyone, all over the world, dresses up to celebrate all of the possibility that a new year can bring… On MY birthday!    What people may not know is the profound effect that a Jan. 1 birthday can have on a person.  I cannot speak for all whom share this date of birth, but for as long as I can remember, I have been renewing myself over and over.  I’m not kidding. Even as a small child, I can remember spending mornings, every so often, starting over, I called it.  This is when I would have a long chat with myself about all the things that I needed to change in order to be better.  In elementary school these improvements sounded like this:

1) Be nicer to mom, do what she says without attitude.

2) Be THE best student.

3) Try harder than any other girl on the Basketball team.

4) Don’t get so dirty at recess.

5) Find ways to make Sister like you.

Now, I don’t think that I have ever shared this information with anyone before, but for some reason, it feels right to now.  I took these renewals quite seriously, and when I felt as though I were slipping, I would have to start over once again – hit the refresh button if you will.  My heart breaks for that little one who wanted to be viewed, not just as a good girl, but as an exceptional one – working so hard for validation!  My being a Capricorn perfectionist doesn’t really help matters.  Irregardless of my intentions then, I have to believe that this behavior was directly linked to my resolution inspiring birth date, right??

This need, and frankly, enjoyment of constant improvement laid a pretty useful foundation.  I mean, for the most part, I think that I have a very proud Mama and that my Sister does in fact like me.  I did maintain an A average throughout my academic career, and my High School basketball team brought home two state championships, and my volleyball team snagged another one.  The only one that I really struggled with was that whole keeping clean at recess bit – I’ve always played hard.

As an adult, I still do these start overs!  A bit less frequently, and much less dramatically,  they occur just about each new season.   I am big on change, and am very happy about that – I have seen the UNhappy alternative.  Now, though, my resolutions revolve less around outside approval (although, if I’m honest, this most likely factors in somehow) and are geared more towards health and wellness, spiritual growth, and outward inspiration.

1. Be LESS reactive.
2. Share MORE.
3. Keep POSITIVE.
4. Have FAITH.
5. Let. It.  Goooooooooo!

Resolutions are important.  All the year long  they are vital!  I believe strongly in self-improvement.  I am absolutely certain that we all must take a long, hard, HONEST look at ourselves in the mirror from time to time to see what could use some tweaking in order to lead a healthier, more positive, fulfilling and inspirational life.

Awareness.  Consciousness.  Mindfulness.  All of these must be renewed over and over, right?  It’s so easy to get sucked in and forget all that we promised we would resolve!  However,  there is one concept that must never be forgotten – self love.  This little guy can be tricky for me, but this year, er, this season, it will be my number one!

Yes, work hard on altering for the better, but when you fail, and there will be failures – forgive, let go, love, and never, ever give up. Through commitment, dedication, and self-study we CAN change things that we’ve not been able to change our whole lives!  The only one in our way is ourselves, truly!  But I want my main message to be that  transformation must be accompanied by LOVE for oneself, always, through every single digression, mistake, and failure.  THE most important thing is to learn – to be a student unto ourselves; this, my friends, shall lead to true and everlasting growth.

Because I have this birthday shouldn’t I be considered somewhat of an expert on the subject of resolutions?  I kid, but a bit on this topic seemed timely and very natural to me.  I think that the me now would tell the me then to keep in mind, little one, that imperfection is a beautiful thing, and is much needed along the path to evolvement.   And so, I wish each and everyone of you a very Happy New Year filled with endless amounts of blessings, smiles, and adventures, and the very best of luck and  perseverance, with your resolutions for 2016.

Cheers,

Vino Bambina

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There is a crack, a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in.

                                                   Anthem – Leonard Cohen

*Vidal Blanc Sparkling Wine – I am a tremendous fan of drinking that of the land I am in, and well, I was back home in Indiana for the holidays, thus, drinking good ‘ol juice born of native Indiana soil!  Of course, this  sparkler, full of grace, came from my beloved  Oliver Winery.  A huge advocate of bubbles, I would not start my birthday, I mean the New Year with anything but!  This is traditional  methode champenoise, with a touch of Vidal Blanc Ice Wine added for an elegant dose of sweetness and complexity.  It is crisp yet soft, expressing the delightful apple, melon, pear that is the perfectly ripened Vidal Blanc grape, grown ever so skillfully from their Creekbend Vineyards.  I highly, highly recommend.  Perfectly paired with my loved ones in my homeland…  Caution!  Easy drinking ahead!  😀