Resolutions in the New Year

I've been thinking about my New Year Resolutions, both for this year and last. I didn't do so well on the resolution front last year. This year I feel a little more thoughtful about it all. I'm going more for conceptual change than specific, tangible things.

1. Develop a better sense of identity.
   I spent several years in a job where my strengths were simultaneously exploited and devalued. My life during that time was all about the job. I spent so much time diluting myself down to be more acceptable to them that I walked away with no sense of myself. I find myself slipping into some of the same patterns now. I have to remind myself that it is OK to be me.
   
   
2. Love myself and allow myself to be loved by others.
   Enough said.
   
   
3. Allow myself to feel the good emotions: joy, happiness, accomplishment, pride.
   In the above-mentioned dilution process, I let myself be stripped of basic emotions.
   
   
4. Don't sweat the small stuff.
   And, as the saying goes, it is all small stuff. I don't agree with that completely. But I do have a tendency to fret over things that just will not matter tomorrow. I need to do a better job of letting the little things go and focusing more on the positive aspects of life.
   
   
5. Be more proactive about my health and happiness.
   I'm usually all about the job. This year, I resolve to take a step back once in a while to build better health, more happiness and new friendships.