My Favorite New Year’s Resolutions

I do it. You do it. Let’s be honest — we all do it. We make a pretty good attempt at creating a list of new resolutions that we hope will change our lives. Of course, we have to follow through and do them if we expect to see or experience change.

In the last few years, it has become popular to pick a characteristic that you want to put your energy into in the new year. So, instead of making a list of 29 resolutions you feel destined to keep, you instead only focus on one idea or word. It could be a characteristic such as “calmness,” “gratitude,” or “joy” that reminds you to work on practicing a calm spirit, having an attitude of gratitude, or rejoicing always. It’s a simple process and doesn’t have a lengthy list trailing behind it.

For those who don’t feel it’s a new year without a new list, following are some of my favorite resolutions, why they are my favorites, and how they relate to having Parkinson’s disease.

Trips and parties

First of all, you’ve got to give up going on guilt trips and attending pity parties. There was a time I journeyed alongside guilt, wondering if all the bleach, Formula 409, and other cleaning agents were some of the culprits responsible for my diagnosis. When I finally worked up the courage to ask about it, my doctor assured me that I had not given myself Parkinson’s disease by cleaning the bathroom. 

Priorities

Now more than ever, it is important to put yourself first with COVID-19 on the loose. As author Mandy Hale said, “It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.” Be healthy. 

Gratefulness

Give thanks throughout the day for what you have been given and for what you are able to accomplish. When is the last time you gave thanks for having a roof over your head? When was the last time you expressed thanks for warm, dry clothes to wear, for food on the table, or for medication you were able to pay for? Practice being grateful and giving thanks daily.

Forgive and let go

You can’t get over that one incident that hurt you like crazy. Could this be the year you unlock the door, let go, and forgive the person who hurt you so deeply? Isn’t it time to quit allowing a lack of forgiveness to hold you captive? Isn’t it time to be free?

Friendships

Call a friend and set up a time to get together for tea, even if you have to FaceTime. Nowadays, that seems to be the safest method for visiting with someone you love. Even if it is via the internet, friendships are important to maintain. We may have to work even harder at it now because of COVID-19, but it’s so worth it, especially if you’re fighting Parkinson’s disease or another chronic illness.

Once a week, send a card or make a phone call to someone you love but don’t get to see very often. Pick someone new each week.

One word

You can use some of your resolutions to help you choose your word for the year. For example, if you are someone who tends to hold grudges and wallow in bitterness, you may want to choose “forgive,” or “grateful.” How about “guiltless”? Or, even better, “free.” Wow.

We all know that freedom in anything brings joy, and what better way to begin a new year than by being joyful because you have been set free from something! I think I just found my word for the new year: free.

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.