Tuesday, January 4, 2022

New Year - New Me? Nah

 Changing the date isn't going to change me!  LOL.  I am the same old me.  I do NOT make resolutions, haven't for years.  I found it only set me up for disappointment.  No need for that - there are enough other things in this world that can be disappointing.  Sooooooo - I plan on a couple GOALS for the year - that's it.

Definitely words to live by!!!!!!!!
  • I do NOT set a budget!  I know how much I have coming in - and I know how much my basic bills are - that is my budget!!  I basically spend half or less on my bills from my income - the rest goes to savings.  I live very simply, so no big expenses.  IF I decide I want something or need something or have an emergency - I am covered
  • I make NO resolutions.  I set goals.  Hopefully I fulfill my goals - if not - well I tried
I hope to just become a better person this year.  Kinder to others.  I want to give/help more.
I plan on doing a few home improvement projects.  Nothing big - just some updating - all things I can do myself.  Painting maybe, more decluttering, maybe a bigger garden, just odds and ends.  Goodness, there are so many projects and things that can be done in/around the house.  I think everyone can agree with that. MAYBE I will look for some new living room furniture this year finally.  It isn't a necessity - but a want.  We'll see.

I plan to stay out of the grocery this month as much as possible.  I have lots of supplies here.  I will use up older items and just be a good steward of what I have.  
Staying home, also keeps me healthy!  
Don't get me wrong, I am not scared - just cautious.  I refuse to run scared.  I continue to be cautious, as I have all along.  Life is too short to not enjoy it - just use a little common sense.  I will still do what I want this year - I can hunker down in these cold months - so I can get out and DO in the warmer months.

So basically, there will be NO new me - just the same old me, just trying to do a little better.
Do you make resolutions?  Do you set goals?  Maybe just plan on doing the same as every year - survive!
I think basically people are all alike - no matter where they live.  They want to be happy, safe and healthy.  These are the basics and hope we all get to experience all of them this year.

Remember - always expect the unexpected!  That is just life.
AND - see no problems - just opportunities.  
AND there are no failures - just extra chances to start again.

I think if we all remember these things, we can get through most anything.  Life has a way of surprising us, when we least expect it.  Just go with the flow and move forward - that is the best advice I can give.
Have a great day.  See ya all tomorrow with my first project!


40 comments:

  1. Love this, Cheryl---me, too---I am just ME! I don't make a budget for the same reasons, altho I do write down all I spend in a month---I like the routine of it. Always have. Happy New Year! Jane

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    1. I pay checks for bills - so I keep that log. Not a check register - but a notebook for me. I just like it better - it's bigger!
      If you know what you have to work with it - it is easier.
      Budgets just seem so restrictive! LOL. Glad I am not alone.
      Have a great one.

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  2. I don't make resolutions but I do have goals. Healthy eating goals, avoid watching the news goal, finding a dress for my son's wedding goal and running away from home a few more times in 2022.

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    1. Love it. Those all sound like very good goals!!!!! Especially avoid the news one! I only watch local morning news to see weather and that is it.
      Good luck.

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  3. No resolutions here either and for us it is too early in the year to make a list of goals. That usually comes around the beginning of Spring.

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    1. Sounds like a plan. I bet most of your plans will involve outside. We need to do whatever works for us. Never be pressured by others - relax till then!

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  4. Goals are my favorite way to go and I'm like you I try my best to reach them but if I don't I'll try again. I love your idea about running away from home..it feels good to go away and it feels so good to be back. Ha ha.
    We don't do a budget either.

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    1. Exactly - if you don't get there - well try later. No pressure. We get a chance to begin again every morning!
      Have a good one.

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  5. I’m with you, Cheryl. No new year resolutions for me either, but goals are more like it. I hope you meet all of the goals you set for yourself this year.

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    1. Good for you! Me too - but if not - no problem. They won't go anywhere, so I will get to them eventually!
      Have a good day

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  6. I don't make resolutions as they usually end in failure. Goals are more nebulous and even those can be changed as circumstances and needs change.

    But I'm not sure I agree with your comment that you aren't going to change. Not to argue, but I believe all learn a little bit more as time goes on. What we learn does change us even in minute ways that can only be seen when we look back at a later date. It could be learning about ourselves or something from the larger world around us. Or maybe my definition of change is different from yours.

    Have a great week!

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    1. Well, you are very right about that. I guess I will change as I learn and do - I just have no plans to make any BIG changes in me. I plan to still be the same caring and helpful person. I still intend to love my family and friends and nature. Maybe a little more? Sure. Maybe work a little harder? Sure. I love to learn - so that is just a normal thing for me.
      So yes, I guess we all change - I just don't plan on doing anything drastic to make me change ME!
      Have a good one.

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  7. My New Year's Resolution is pretty much the same every year now -- to continue to grow and become the best "me" I can be. This started with the loss of my husband, and having to push myself with taking steps forward. I continue to grow as a widow and strive to be better. I do, however, set goals for myself, as a guideline for what I want to accomplish. This year, I have health goals, a financial goal, and goals to help me achieve greater inner peace and happiness. Those are written down and are/will be broken out into various steps to help me achieve them. Here's to a great 2022!

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    1. Those are great goals. Yes, I think we look at things so differently when we lose our spouse and different things become important. I always want to live to represent the good man he was and reflect our life together. I want to honor him.
      Inner peace and happiness - love that. We all need to strive for that.

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  8. I used to make resolutions, then shifted to setting goals, but a handful of years ago I started each year with just a solid thought in mind. In 2021, it was finding better ways to cope, which led me to your blog, Cheryl. For 2022, it's moving forward.

    We expected to be in our new home on an acre in the remote, rural high country of AZ by now. My hubby's former employer derailed that and it should be sometime this spring with God's mercy and grace. Our lives will change a lot. There'll me much to learn about back country living. We hope to be a positive addition to the community there.
    A prayer in the devotional book I've started sums it up well...
    "Lord, I thank you for my life and for the chance to grow that this new year brings."
    --Elise

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    1. Amazing how things get altered at times. Your new life sounds like a lovely one. It really sounds perfect to me. I am sure you will be a great asset to the community. God works in mysterious ways, and you will get there when the time is right!!!!
      Love that prayer!

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  9. Good Tuesday morning! I don't do resolutions either. They never stuck. I will be doing a list of goals for the year There are several things I want to do, more crochet, sewing, walking and the list goes on.

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    1. I don't think I have known anyone who did their resolutions all the way. Makes you wonder why we all set ourselves up for defeat!
      Yours sound like good ones. So many things can come to mind.
      Have a great day!

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  10. No resolutions here either. Nor a budget. I have tracked our expenditures for 21 years. We aren't binge buyers and I severely dislike shopping. When we have a big bill such as property taxes or the annual income tax bill, I draw extra over my monthly allowance from my investment account to cover it.

    Happy winter and planning for spring :-)

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    1. Glen used to track everything for us. He enjoyed it - not me. I did enough bookkeeping and accounting in my years of work (that was my occupation) - I don't need to do that here too.
      Those big things come at the same time every year - so we can plan. Makes life easier that way.
      Happy winter to you as well.

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  11. Hi Cheryl,

    Hope you are having a great start to the New Year. Covid over here, after two years of avoiding it successfully!

    My husband has put in for a different position within the government in the Indianapolis area. Are you able to give any information about the different areas of town?

    Thank you,
    Nichole

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    1. Oh no, so sorry you got IT! Hope you are doing OK.
      I live southside and always have. Suburbs are best - all close to Interstate system. I know many like northside - Camel, Noblesville, etc. It just got me excited. YES, it is nice - but it is a totally different personality.
      South like Beech Grove, Southport, Greenwood are nice and just plain old nice folks.
      So many places to choose from. Cost of living is better south. Very expensive on the north side.
      If he gets it and time comes to look for a home, I know a couple wonderful real estate agents, that I have known for years.
      Best of luck to him and you feel better.

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    2. I meant to say 'it just doesn't get me excited' (northside).

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    3. Nichole, I live on the west side of Indianapolis, just three miles from the county line where the town of Avon starts. Cheryl is right...the cost of living is much higher on the north side. Stay away from the east side as it seems to have lots of problems. Greenwood is a really nice area with plenty of shopping, churches and activities.

      Praying for your swift and complete recovery!

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  12. Yeah a project, I love me a project. What ya doin Cheryl?

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  13. I enjoy your column so much..thank you for your upbeat practical advice..have a great January and new year.

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    1. Well thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words. Hope you stick around!

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  14. January and July are two good months to buy furniture. Happy New Year and stay well.
    Bun

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    1. Sure enough - July will probably be when I get busy on that!
      Thanks

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  15. I am a no resolution person as well. Setting goals seems to work better for me as well.

    God bless.

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    1. There just isn't the disappointment in one's self that way.
      Blessings

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  16. I used to set goals, but all they did was point me in the direction I wanted to go, and might have gone, anyway. This year I made RESOLUTIONS. Look at the definitions--resolutions are about resolving to do a certain thing. I have some goals this year and doing any of them will improve my life. I have RESOLVED to get rid of the junk (let's call it what it is), exercise my brain and to get to know my neighbors. (We moved into a brand-new subdivision before Covid hit...which sort of took down getting acquainted with anyone). I have actually made action plans for my three resolutions and started yesterday.

    Last Sunday, our pastor explained the difference between resolutions (which can be life-changing) and goals. He quoted an article from Psychology Today that said 46% of resolutions succeed. If that sounds discouraging, only 4% of goals succeed. So, if you want real change, resolutions are your best bet. Nothing succeeds without the decision to do it. A plan helps, too!

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    1. WOW - that is enlightening. Thanks for the info. That is definitely something to ponder.
      I love your resolutions, all great. Have fun getting to know your neighbors this year!
      Thanks again.

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  17. I thought I sent a post but don't see it. just want to say I appreciate you for sharing your information. It does help many of us live a better life. You have shown me I do not need a budget, just to think about every dollar I spend. Thank!

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    1. Well thank you. I think just good old commonsense works. Maybe it doesn't work for everyone - some people really need the structure of a budget and that is super for them. We all do things our own way!

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  18. I think we are programmed to do less in winter, to stay in and keep warm so that we are ready to be busy in Spring and Summer.
    Good luck with all your plans for 2022

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    1. I think you may be correct. It is hard to motivate when the weather is nasty - but I am sure going to try this year. I have many indoor things I want to do - and I hope to accomplish them.
      Thanks!

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  19. Making New Year's resolutions used to be the big thing and then about the end of January, it all fell apart. Some gals have a word that defines their new year. I guess the Urban Farmer has started on his goals. He already has garden seeds and has been growing things in the garage.

    I use a monthly calendar to write when bills are due and keep track of the bank balance that way. If something besides a recurring bill shows up, then I can set aside $$$ for that.

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    1. Good for him - always pays to be ready and he is getting a start.
      I keep a note in checkbook about recurring things. I just mark the envelope with date due - and stack in order of needed to be paid.
      Kind of cool how everyone has their method that works.

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