The playfully pointless ritual of resolutions

January takes its name from the two-faced Roman god Janus. This has long been a season of looking backward as much as forward, and not just in search of lessons, or warnings or evidence of progress. Turning to the past also places resolutions in the repetitive time zone of ritual: playfully pointless, and without expectation of future returns.

- Nicole Dufoe

I love this quote (and the whole article), particularly for this idea that new year's resolutions are a playfully pointless ritual. Have you made any resolutions this month? Have you felt the collective pressure to reset, renew, improve? To speed up and take action?

Perhaps it's time we let go of these old ideas of self improvement, give up the notion that we need to buy the right product to be more productive/better/perfect. So this month I've made some resolutions that are playfully unproductive and pointlessly fun...

Resolution 1: Conviviality

The word conviviality is often associated with festive spirit during the holidays, but also with gathering together, fellowship, mirth and good humour.

As an introvert, I find this one a little challenging. And I think generally, as a society, we find it easier to celebrate and focus on our worries more than our pleasure.

So in 2023 I am going to practice being convivial, stretching my capacity for joy and mirth. I will leave enough spacious time to relax and laugh, one-to-one or with a small group of friends who also have time to unwind and be together without any other pressures.

And we will share good food and simple pleasures.

Resolution 2: Gezellig

The Dutch word gezellig (sort of pronounced heh-sell-ick) describes all the things that make life fun, friendly and enjoyable, with a particular emphasis on togetherness.

I'm thinking about the fun things I like to do together with others - cooking, singing, watching comedy, dancing. More of these in 2023!

And I'm challenging myself to make the things I usually do alone more gezellig - reading, bathing, napping, crying (together).

Resolution 3: Hygge

You may have heard the Danish word hygge (sort of pronounced hoo-gah). It has become very popular (and more commercialised) in the past few years. At its heart, hygge is what makes life comfortable, relaxed and centred in the moment. It is a way of living that prioritises contentment.

This year I am going to prioritise contentment - I'll move my body in ways that feel satisfying, I'll enjoy the clothes I already own, I'll find fulfillment in the hobbies I already have.

I'll look for new ways to feel satisfied and enough, and try to give up some habits of perpetual self improvement work.

Resolution 4: Just one thing

If I feel the urge to be productive or start self-improvements, I will limit myself to just one thing. (Michael Mosley has a podcast and new book about this concept if you need more inspiration). And I will try to make it as convivial, gezellig and hygge as possible.

Resolution 5: Pay it forward

I have resolved not to change my osteopathic fees in 2023. Instead I am introducing a pay-it forward system that you can choose to opt-into if you wish.

I've sent an email with all the details to my current clients (thank you to those who have already responded), but please reach out if you want to know more.

Some final words from poet Joy Sullivan: "No resolutions this year, just this poem which will forever live as an ode to kumquats and mustaches and a zest-filled life".