No cud chewing!

Happy 2012!

While January brings new resolutions for most, I’m focusing on mantras this year. In the past, I’ve created resolutions – some that were pretty successful (5+ months completely gluten-free) and some that didn’t go quite as well (no size 6 jeans here).

And there are some resolutions that I strive toward every year, knowing that these are ongoing:

• move more
• eat healthy
• be present more

But this year, I’ve decided to try a mantra instead of a resolution. A new way of looking at things…

As a chronic worrier, I spend far too much time in the past. Over the holiday break, I read an article in Real Simple, describing this behavior as “ruminating.”

I’m clearly a ruminator.

A cow.
A cud chewer.
Someone who regurgitates life – instead of swallowing it whole and moving on.

I choose to relive moments again and again, wondering how they could have played out differently. Wondering “What if?” instead of “What’s next?”

So, you see the need for my ongoing resolution to be present more? But since that resolution hasn’t been so effective, I’m going to try this mantra:

I can’t control what’s going to happen, but I can control my reaction to it.

And for me, my reaction is going to be to float on past. I will hitch a ride on the nearest cumulus cloud and ride the jet stream.

I will focus on the freckle pattern on Emma’s face.

The golden highlights in Ellie’s hair.
The way my hands are starting to look like my mother’s.

I will float on past and not look at the past and worry.  And ruminate.

And in 2012, I have a goal to exercise my writing muscle every week. Let’s see how well this goes, but here’s to goals, resolutions, and mantras. No matter how you get there, we’re all just trying to be the best we can be.