2022 Resolutions Declared
Illustration by Ainsley Christofferson
It’s that time of the year, Fourth Quarter reports are submitted, First Quarter forecasts analyzed, and when the end of the workday arrives, we head back home to determine whether our personal lives are trending upward. The 2020-21 mirror has not been kind to many of us in terms of nutrition, exercise, and many other forms of personal care. Beyond Maslow’s hierarchy baseline of physiological need, how far from transcendence have people slipped, and what will we do to continue ascending, to self-actualize?
After scouring newspapers, online lists, and other sources dedicated to understanding what we want to accomplish in this potentially post-pandemic period (please!), here are a few of the typical tips and goals that emerged:
Social media breaks — with the combined blitz of contentious Covid-19 policy shifts, looming 2022 midterm elections, and rising incidents of online criminal activity, less screen time in general might be a good way to reduce stress
Pre-plan entertainment — travel may still be limited, but family and friends are proving to be more of an option to share fun activities with; if the pandemic wanes, numerous other options should fill your calendar
Finish a project in home or otherwise — as with all goals, set realistic timelines and expectations, the rewards for home repair and improvement can be very satisfying
Rest better, longer — seek out what works for you, many medical sites link a good night’s sleep to building your immune system, and to realizing stronger cognitive skills during the waking hours
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise — utilizing a FitBit is one way to track how active you are during the day; other technologies are expanding our ability to address a multitude of health issues
Stop/moderate vices — addictions to a wide variety of vices can be debilitating, identifying what triggers your perceived need for harmful substances is a first step; many of the tips listed here are ways to combat temptation
Consider therapy to battle stress and anxiety — cultures around the world are embracing therapy as a positive way to deal with mental health disorders; the stigma has fallen, compare today to these events in 1972
Read more, especially Candor! — so many lists of great books, find time to clear your schedule and locate a quiet place to read whatever you’ve been craving — Candor isn’t a bad place to start!
Purge — stuff around the house, on your work desk, anywhere you frequent, can add to personal stress; like any project, set realistic goals, then fill the bins at Goodwill, a local recycling center, or the cart outside
Do housework regularly/immediately — like the need to purge, psychologists recommend decluttering and cleanliness to reduce stress, and to increase hygiene, especially during the pandemic
Expand your food options, plan ahead to avoid bad choices —for some, being at home more has heightened a desire to enhance cooking talents and options; planning ensures the right ingredients are available when needed
Donate time, give what you can to your community — so many options, so much need; investigate charitable organizations, some are more vigilant toward ensuring targeted resources reach those in need
Reinvent yourself — the labor market is screaming for workers, this could be the time to retrain and enter a different vocation; or, dive into an a hobby loudly calling to you, Extreme Ironing, perhaps?
Here are some resolutions from Candor participants, which will inspire you in 2022?
My new year's resolution for myself and for others — To remember to think and act like Americans first, family members second, our friends, neighbors and co-workers next, and political party affiliation last (ideally not at all, except when in the privacy of a voting booth) — Robert Litan
I think my resolution this year will be to fast. I'm looking to fast in a variety of ways. First of all fasting from the overabundance of food and various media. Then exploring other ways to fast such as a fast from spending or just too much activity. In general, simplicity and recognizing the amazing abundant blessings. I'm not sure how well I will be able to accomplish this but certainly going to give it a try. — Amy Bragg Carey
As we enter 2022, I, for one, refuse to bow to the notion that 2020-21 has solidified a "new normal.” It wasn't and it won't be. I resolve to be a voice encouraging my family and my friends not to "settle" for less than they hoped for, worked for, and expected some two years ago. We owe that to ourselves, our community and our nation. Let's get after it. — Al Higdon
I would like to practice more patience, kindness and LOVE more. — Teresa Houston
Nearly two years into the pandemic, the costs of not doing what I can to keep myself healthy — simple things like eating less and exercising more, and taking advantage of the health supports which my job blessedly provides me with — have become undeniable. Too many people I know who have died too young. This isn't about getting vaccinated and boosted; those are no-brainers, as their health benefits are obvious. I'm talking about realizing, as I turn 53, that I know how to take care of myself, and I'm not doing it. This year, I want that to change. — Russell Fox
My resolution for this year is to focus on my overall health — mental, physical, and emotional. This pandemic has shown me so much about myself. I have grown in ways I never could have predicted and have had amazing opportunities to use my skills and knowledge to truly impact a community. Along with the amazing things though, it has also shown me that I am quick to work hard to check a box and accomplish tasks without considering my overall well-being. I know that in order to continue, to move forward with all my goals, I need to make health the number one priority before I continue down this path and mobility and energy become a problem for me. So in short, keep an open mind to opportunities that sound scary, focus on overall health (not just exercising), and enjoy my two amazing kids and husband that all sacrificed a lot of time with me over this past year. — Sarah Nickel
My NYE resolution is to refocus on my friends who remained steadfast through multiple severe personal and professional challenges in both 2020 and 2021. Fairweather "friends" just aren't. — Ben Blankley
In 2022 I am resolved to consider the ways that the family, not the individual or society, may be the ecological entity that sustains balance across the events on the planet by tying all other things together in ways we have not appreciated. My keyword is CRUSH ... Covid Reminds Us: Stay Home. I fear we have failed to value home as our primary PLACE and family as our greatest WEALTH and that this failure has corrupted our economic actions and set a broad and poorly understood ecological judgment of our organic planet into motion. — Bob Love
For my community, I will continue to urge “Sustainability” (a code word for adjusting to this Climate emergency) in front of the City Council, the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board, the Democrats and the Unaffliateds, the League of Women Voters and hopefully eventually the County Commission. For me personally, I will rethink previous behaviors such as driving alone to shop and to walk, wasting food and plastic, and lessening the water I use in showers and dishes. Best wishes throughout this still-new year. — Jane Byrnes