Resolving to dream

Here we go again!  Cold, grey skies, and that blah feeling pervading.  Could it be...January? Despite a few sunny days, January has been rather cold and dreary, moreso because I'm dealing with the departure of my family.  I know I'm not the only one dealing with post-holiday blues.  It takes me a good two weeks, it seems, to get over the new year hump and feel cheery again.

I think I've pretty much given up really making resolutions because either I never keep them or they are too ambitious and just make me feel bad about my life!  I don't even think I made any last year.  But this year I came across a list of doable actions that really could be good for me (and YOU!). 

I'll give you the short version, and besides there are only three of them:
1. Breathe deeply (it helps you think AND reduces stress)
2. Smile more (it makes you happy and helps you make contact with others)
3. Express gratitude (count your blessings and don't forget to thank those around you!)

See, so simple.  As I write this I'm reminding myself to breathe deeply, but as there's no one here but the cat, I'm not smiling. Nor thanking him. 

And instead of resolutions I'll make a "me" wish list.  Like a "things to do" list but with no expiration date.

Things to do (medium-/long-term):

• get published! My friend Crystal went from blogging to free-lancing and I'd love to follow in her footsteps (while keeping my day job).
• visit Barcelona. Everyone raves about this city and I'd love to do a quick trip some time.
• find physical activities that make happy and calm.  Even if it's yoga on youtube or dancing in my living room, I do need to get a bit more active.
• try new recipes.  Last year I tried eclairs (kind of small) and cinnamon rolls.  I want to get a bit more ambitious now though.   I've got the pastry bags and tips and charlotte mold to help me on baking adventures!

I'll keep the list short for now so it won't intimidate me.  Aren't dreams a bit nicer to think of than old workaday resolutions?

Langston Hughes said it best:

 

Dreams
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Coincidentally, that last stanza sounds a bit like January without hope!  So here's hoping that you and I can hold fast to our dreams.  For that is what keeps hope alive.