There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who make New Years Resolutions and those who do not make New Years Resolutions. I am a resolution person.
I guess I kind of think of resolutions and goals as the same thing. I know resolutions tend to have a negative connotation of being unrealistic and or unattainable goals but I don’t think of it that way. I just think this is a new year and there are some things I want to do the same or better and some things that I want to do differently.
In the past I have always had the same few resolutions. Be healthier, lose some weight, have more fun, and to stop doing things I don’t want to do. Every year I think I do better with these goals. This year I am adding a new one. I think this will be a one year resolution though. A special resolution for 2012. I know your like what is it, just tell us your resolution already.
Well first let me warn you. It is a little different. I’m sure none of my friends or family are making this resolution. OK, are you ready? Promise you wont think I’m weird? Here goes my resolution for 2012 is to leave my house every day.
Weird Right? Let me start out by saying I am not some sort of recluse who’s afraid to go out side. I go to work every day. I spend time with friends. I walk my dog. I do all sorts of stuff so clearly I go outside. I know, then why the resolution?
The reason for the resolution is that while I do go out it is not uncommon for me to spend an entire weekend home alone if I don’t have plans. On those weekends when I don’t leave my house other than walking my dog I often find myself down in the dumps. I spend all week at work looking forward to the weekend only for it to arrive and find myself at home with nothing to do, feeling lonely, bored, and just down. I mentioned in a past post that I was happier during the week than on weekend for this very reason. While I don’t feel that way anymore. I still feel that I spend more than my fair share of weekends down.
So this year, 2012, I will leave my house every day. During the week this is easy because I have work and there are people there that I actually like spending time with. My days off will be the challenge. On those days I will leave my house for more than to just walk my dog. I will “go” somewhere. I don’t have to do anything major. Every moment of downtime from work does not have to be super exciting.
Here are a few examples of things I can (and will) do to get out of the house every day in 2012:
- go to the mall
- go to the gym
- go to the movies
- go visit a friend
- go to different neighborhoods in my city and play the part of tourist
- go to the book store
- go out to eat
- go to a museum
- go to a sporting event
- go bowling
- go on a date
- go to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s (instead of my normal market)
- go to the casino
- go out for drinks
So this list has me covered for a couple months. What are some other things I can do to get out of the house in 2012? Oh, and do you have a weird (I mean creative) resolution for this year?
Congrats! What a great resolution, there is some psychology research that backs up what you are talking about. Even if we don't have plans getting out of the house makes us feel better.
I think my most creative new years resolution was to do free writing for 5 minutes every day. I am so used to the format for blogs that I neglect my fiction writing skills. I used to write short stories in my spare time just for myself. It feels good to express myself in a different way.
you could get out of the house and go visit a very cute little baby that lives nearby ;-). She is home on most weekends and loves company.
It's a good idea. I always try to go out as much as possible. There's a saying at my house " I'm not a couch, why should I stay at home" Enjoy.
You can also take a different route from work.
I love your resolution and I might need to add it to my 2012 goals. When the weather is warm you can go to the park and have a little picnic. Or on a nature walk. Or a bike ride
Cool resolution to leave the house daily. 😉
Sometimes I like to just sit and enjoy a nice view on a beautiful day it relaxes me. I also enjoy in the summer going to get ice cream.
Can you tell I am already planning for spring/summer? lol
BTW: Love the new header
Hilarious, because my resolutions would be to stay home and go nowhere, at least one day a week! I have to run around so much it drives me crazy! You have a good goal and for good reasons. Maybe doing something at home, that could take your mind off of saddness, could be added. I don't know knit or something (just joking on that, but I would like to do that one day). I do think it is important to get out and about. Maybe add volunteering on your list.
Plan a play date with friends with children 🙂
JaniceR
I am a homebody too. I feel like I need to be at home because I work hard for it and I should at least be there lol. I have 1 weird goal and that is too get out of the sweats and into some more cute clothes. Love the new header also.
I love it! I think this is an issue for me too! Im a home body but sometimes I want to get out. Im better at this in the summer because I love heat on my skin, but the winter is a challenge! I think im gonna try this with you. (if you dont mind)
You could have girls night, scavenger hunt (which I think would be fun) find free events to attend, go to a play (if affordable) go to a cafe & blog. Just a few! Happy outings!