Tuesday, January 5, 2010

The Anti-Resolution

I’m in rebellion.


Yes, I am bucking the system and burning my bra…uh…okay, I got a little carried away. I need that bra for my safety and that of others...


But I am taking a stand and saying NO to New Year’s resolutions. There are certain goals I’ve set for myself as far as writing, but it’s those same ‘ol promises that careen into the Land of No Return and are forgotten by February, that I’m boycotting. There are some I’ve made out of habit and some I had full intentions of keeping. Yet none of ‘em went the distance. So this year I am resolving not to make the following resolutions:

1. Lose weight. Look, I’m thirty-mumble-mumble. Some things on this body are not going to shift, settle or pop back the way they used to when I was twenty-five. But now at thirty-mumble-mumble I’m okay with that. I really am. As long as I’m healthy, can keep up with my kids and don’t have to hit my inhaler after a ten minute walk, I’m good. Yes, so the quarter moon tattoo I have is now three-quarters…it’s still pretty…

2. Cook at least three times a week. I know I’m not keeping this so why condemn myself to failure? I hate, abhor, I mean really can’t stand cooking. The only thing I detest more is cleaning the bathroom. Is it my fault my husband didn’t read the fine print of our marriage vows where it said, “Love, honor and don’t expect your wife to cook”? Don’t get me wrong. As you can tell from Anti-Resolution #1, I love to eat. But I prefer it already chopped, sliced, covered, smothered and diced on my plate! Besides, my husband does it so well…who am I to prevent him from excelling in what he’s good at??

3. Clean the bathroom. Just kidding!

4. I’m selling at least one book. Nope, not going to say it. I would be placing limits on myself and I refuse to do that. Before, when I made this resolution, I found myself working toward that one book and not looking beyond its completion. Or even when prospects came to me while in the midst of it I passed on them because they weren’t “the book”. As a writer I don’t want my goal to be “at least one book”. I want it to be about books, craft, promotion and profession. A career is not one book. Its limitless opportunities whether it comes in the form of blogs, novellas, free reads, articles or full-length novels. I refuse to close myself to possibilities.

…and…

5. Have a steamy interlude with Vin Diesel. I’m going to finally give up on this one. Sigh. Besides I think—I’m not sure—but I think my husband might object. Just a hunch.

So are there you have it. Are there any other rebels ready to join me? If so, proclaim the resolution you’re burying for 2010!





8 comments:

Wynter said...

Okay, I've read this post twice and I'm still chuckling.I am a list person. As such, I find resolutions - no, goals - rather comforting. Will I keep most? Hope so, but there's a reason I call them goals;-)

Naima Simone said...

Wynter! You have to come over to the Dark Side!! Let me corrup you with my chaos!! LOL!! I'm not calling it a goal, because I intend to do it, so I'll call it a lifestyle change. Okay so my lifestyle change I'm making this year is becoming more disciplined. Who knows? I may be comparing lists with you next year! LOL!!

Katie Reus said...

I wish I could be as rebellious as you but I'm a list person. They keep me and my OCD in line, lol! I've already got 12 things on my writing to do list for this year. Oh, and if you try and get between me and my boyfriend Vin, I'll have to hurt ya, lol ;)

Naima Simone said...

Ya'll scare me! Either I'm going to convert you or I'm going to end up writing lists for my lists!! This time next year we're going to do a point check and see who caved!! I'm coming after ya'll!! LOL!

Oh and Vin...I hate to take you out, Katie, 'cause I like you, I really do...LOL!!

Lynn LaFleur said...

Lose weight? Would love to, but I like chocolate too much. Be more organized? I'd have to clean off my desk first. Exercise more? But it's too cold to walk!

I made one resolution this year--to read more for pleasure. That's the only resolution I'm sure I can keep.

Lynn

Naima Simone said...

LOL! Lynn, I'm with you! Chocolate and books! Whoo-hoo! Now that would definitely not be included on my "Anti" list!

Adele Dubois said...

Loved your post! I could probably copy, cut and paste my resolutions for the past ten years and they'd (mostly) be the same. This year, I'm simply going to try to be the best I can be without stressing too much.

Happy New Year!

Best--Adele

Naima Simone said...

Hi, Adele!
You and me both with the same 'ol-same 'ol resolutions! For the past two years my husband has just cut his eyes at me on some of them! LOL! He probably supports my rebellion!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy New Year!!