Do you make resolutions at the start of each year? If so, how well do you keep them? Or even remember them?

I find myself getting very introspective as the year comes to a close, thinking of all the unfinished projects, unspoken words, unreached goals. But for some reason, I don’t think about them until the end of the year. Which makes it kind of tough to follow through on a resolution, right?

Maybe if I jotted down a few it would help. Then I could go back and read them throughout the year to see how I’m doing…if I remember, that is!

So, here goes – my list of resolutions for 2012.

1. Be a better listener. Listen to my daughter laughing and my husband singing. My thoughts and “chores” often interfere with my ability to listen what is going on around me, and I think I’m really missing out! I want to be a more active listener to my family and friends.

2. Live in the present. This kind of goes along with #1. I need to enjoy moments more, rather than letting my thoughts get in the way. A wise doctor I saw this past year told me to take 5 minutes each morning and really savor and enjoy my hot shower, rather than standing there going through my mental to-do list. It’s harder than it sounds!

3. Exercise more regularly. I go to the gym about 2 or 3 times a week, but it’s not enough. I need more frequent, regular exercise. It makes me a happier person all around.

4. Hang up my clothes (if they’re clean) when I take them off at the end of the day. I lay them on my vanity or the bench at the foot of our bed. It’s just as easy to hang them, so why don’t I just do that?

5. Try new cuisine. I want to venture out into cooking more exotic foods – Indian, Japanese, South American. Now that my daughter is a little older, she’s more adventurous about food. Plus, what’s the worst that happens? We all hate it and I whip up some grilled cheese sandwiches!

6. Sit up straight. I find myself slouching at my desk when I get into my work. Not good for my back at all!

7. Go on more dates with my husband. He’s busy, I’m busy, our time together gets put on the back burner. But regular dates are an important part of a strong marriage, so we need to make that a priority.

8. Keep in touch. I’m horrible at staying in touch with family and friends. I’m going to make an effort to call someone I haven’t spoken to in awhile once every few weeks. Or set up to meet for coffee to catch up in person!

9. Decorate our Master Bedroom. It’s the only room in our house that has been completely, totally ignored. It’s tidy, but there is no personality in there. I’m going to give myself a small but reasonable budget, and finally do something with our room.

10. Honestly, I’m sitting here trying to think of a Number 10 resolution, just to have a list that feels “complete”. And I just realized how silly that is. If I’m done at #9, then I’m done, right? So, no #10. Or, maybe it’s just to stop being so darned particular.

This weekend, I plan on ringing in 2012 with good friends, at 9 pm (we’ll pretend that’s because of the kids), and being thankful for all that the new year has in store for me. If I can keep any of my resolutions, that will be a first for me! And if I don’t, well, I’m no worse off than I am right now, and right now, I’m pretty good.