I recently read a Facebook post that included the following quote:  “In a futile attempt to erase our past, we deprive the community of our healing gift. If we conceal our wounds out of fear and shame, our inner darkness can neither be illuminated nor become a light for others.” ― Brennan Manning

Wow.  That’s pretty powerful!  If the New Year is a chance to start again, then that fresh start requires looking at the darkness behind us, and the light that is possible in front of us.

I Resolve…..

 

I Resolve….To Start Each Day with Gratitude

 

You know how you hear a lot of people starting to say toward the end of the year, “I’m so ready to be DONE with 2021 (which is actually a continuation of 2020 if we are being honest)!”

I think that desire is steeped in a great deal of sadness, or disappointment, pain, or hurt.  And y’all….unfortunately the human condition is mired in all of that!  I can so easily find myself in the mindset of focusing on what is NOT….rather than focusing on what IS.

The best antidote?  Gratitude.  Out loud.  Vocalized.  As many times as I need to until the Light is fully shining in every corner of my life.  My husband, who will celebrate his 32nd year of sobriety in 2022 is MUCH better at Gratitude than I am.

I Resolve to work on that!

 

 

I Resolve….To Connect with Actual People More

 

In the 1980’s Madonna correctly crooned we are living in a Material World.  If she updated her lyrics to reflect today, I think she’s sing we are living in a Social Media World…laced with essence of Pandemic.  A world that has become pretty comfortable with real human contact.

And that’s not an accusation.  I’m knee-deep in Social Media.  I’ve Zoomed more times than I can count. It’s just how the world is now.  But, I’m drawing a virtual line in the sand and refusing to sit at my computer and convince myself that getting updates on Facebook is just as good as an old-fashioned face-to-face.  It’s just not.  And we all know it.  So, how’s that gonna roll out?

I Resolve to have coffee or lunch once a week with a real live person.  I was sort of doing that in 2021, but I’ve got to up my game in 2022.  Every week.  EVERY week.  I’m also going to host dinner parties.  I’m gonna say once a quarter.  Let’s see how it goes.  Dust off the “nice” stuff and gather people I love around a table.

Lemme know if you want to get together in the comments below!  Bonus points if I have to travel to see you!

 

 

I Resolve….to Read More….a LOT More

 

Y’all may not know this about me, but my first profession was teaching high school English.  I used to be a voracious reader.  And I need to be voracious again.  It is for sure I need to explore more ideas, meet new people, consider different perspectives, and laugh and cry more.  All within the pages of a book.  I need ALL your favorite titles.  Don’t care how “old” the book is.  I’m behind.  Trust me.  Comment with your list below!

 

 

I Resolve….to Travel More

 

OK….y’all are probably saying “Duh.  You are a Travel Blogger.”  Yup.  After four years at helm of The Curious Cowgirl, I absolutely am a Travel Blogger.

But over the past 18 months, travel has been a little harder.  And, as Will and I have spent the last year getting our new Antique Business up and running, you probably have noticed more of my communications with you have been to share our newest antique and vintage finds.

To be honest, as I look at our 2022 calendar that is already filling in with travel plans, more of our travel will center around Antiquing and sourcing for my Online Shop and our Booth at Benny Jack Antiques on Riverfront in Dallas.

I hope you will enjoy exploring new places with me as we source!!!

I also hope to plan more Needlepoint Retreats in 2022.  I’ve spoken with several shops across the country who want to host me and my merry band of fellow stitchers….so be on the look out for those announcements.

 

Join My List

 

Which leads me to a request.  Because I love Group Participation.  Will you make a Resolution with me?

Will you consider sharing my Blog with your friends?  I’d love to grow my readership, and can’t do it without you.

• Think about your friends who love good Travel Info.
• Think about your friends who love Antiques and Vintage.
• Think about your friends who love to Needlepoint.

 

Any of those folks might just love to receive my emails in their Inbox.

Please consider forwarding anything you read that you like, and encourage your friends to sign up for my newsletter.

Thanks y’all!

 

2022.  Let’s do this thing!

 

Post originally written in 2019.  Updated and edited for 2022.  Because we all could use a good Edit!

 

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