The A-to-Z Resolution Revolution

Emily Apuzzo Hopkins | January 4, 2022

A couple of weeks ago I was thinking about my relationship with resolutions. I like them, I don’t really have any weird hang-ups about them, and I usually follow through with them when I declare them. For the past few years, I’ve actually leaned more into “words of the year”... ‘gratitude’ was a favorite a few years ago, so I thought, let’s do it again… times 26.

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Here is my A-to-Z list of words and resolutions for 2022:

A is for Attitude

From the moment the sun rises in the morning, attitude is a choice. For the day, for the moment, for the event, and for the challenges that present themselves throughout the day.

B is for Better

I have heard this a handful of times and although it comes across as corny, I appreciate its simplicity…

Good, Better, Best -

Never let it rest.

‘Til your Good is Better

And your Better is Best.

C is for Complete

When I worked with my friend and coach, Kacey, I learned about “Completion Exercises”. Completion is “the opportunity to be present, to release burdensome energy, and to be acknowledged.” I want to take more time to feel my way all the way through events that become too heavy to bear. Be complete.

D is for Discovery

I have learned a lot over the past year - some truly fascinating and humbling things. I want to continue down this path of discovery. There is always something to learn.

E is for Experiences

After watching my child experience the beach for the first time, I see even more how incredibly priceless experiences are for her and for myself. When an experience can be had, let’s have it.

F is for Festive

This is actually something I wish I had more of. There are some folks whose flair for the festive is truly impressive. While I do not have the desire (or budget!) to go all-in, I want to take more time to lean into festivity.

G is for Grateful

I never want to forget this word and the feeling of being grateful. It is imperative to me to enter every day with a grateful heart and to teach my daughter the same.

H is for Home

Over the last couple of years, I have spent some more time at home and have enjoyed making it the haven I want it to be. It still has a lot of room to go, but I vow to appreciate it for what it is and work on my own time to make it even better.

I is for Italian

I discovered that my Italian is still there at a decent level. I pulled out a number of my Italian novels and stories - I plan to re-read them this year and brush up on my skills.

J is for Jacob

I love my husband. He is awesome and I so appreciate the partnership we have created during our almost decade-long relationship. He rocks and I want him to know that.

K is for Kindness

Kindness for others and kindness for self - the latter of which I sometimes forget.

L is for Learning

I have learned so many great things in 2021, so what else can I learn?! For starters, I want to revisit my friend Italian (see: I is for Italian!), but I also want to learn more Spanish so I can communicate with colleagues. Mandarin is also on that list for the same reason, but I am definitely starting off more at square one there. There is so much to take in, so let’s GO!

M is for Magic

Rowan is at such a fun age - she truly sees the magic in the mundane. It’s so beautiful and I want to harness those moments.

N is for Nutrition

I want to renew my relationship with food - especially as I pour myself into my fitness journey in a new way. Food is fuel and I want to find the nutritional balance that works for me to accomplish my goals.

O is for Optimistic

I tend toward being a realist with an optimistic slant, but this year, I want to invite optimism to take center stage.

P is for Presence

I have had glorious glimmers of being truly in the moment. And in those moments of presence, it feels so good and free.

Q is for Quiet

It is hard for me to appreciate the quiet. I am always trying to fill it - with crap TV, audiobooks, or even the clanging of things as I clean up around the house. I want to be in the quiet more often this year - through unguided yoga, meditation, or a walk around the block.

R is for Rowan

My sweet and sassy nugget has been around for (just about) 5 years now. Hard to believe and I hope to hold on to every sweet moment that I can. They will not last forever.

S is for Self-Care

I started doing this in November, but I will 100% be continuing the road of self-care. Eyebrow threading, massage, facial, nails - whatever. Those things bring me joy and make me feel my best. I want to love those outings unapologetically.

T is for Time

I have to admit that sometimes I do not use my time as wisely as I should or could. I burn away half-hour and hour-long chunks of time doing absolutely nothing. What could I do with that time if I guided it with purpose?

U is for Understanding

I have been working really hard to approach things with an empathetic heart - one of curiosity and compassion. All of these things lead to a better understanding of the people and situations around me. I want to continue that journey and simultaneously turn it more inward.

V is for Value

The value of self, the value of stuff, and the value of experiences. They are all worth something, but some should be prioritized differently. I want this year to be full of really seeing what is valuable in my life.

W is for When

I just started reading Daniel Pink’s book “When” and much like my love of all things Malcolm Gladwell, I think I am going to love this one. We will see what I learn WHEN I learn it.

X is for Xi

In Mandarin Chinese, xĭ means ‘happy’ and I love the simplicity of the word. Happiness is simple at its core and I welcome it with open arms.

Y is for Yes

There is a time for No, but more often than not, there is a lot of room for Yes. Where will I find YES this year?

Z is for Zeitgeist

I never get to use this word (!), but after reading several synonyms for it, let’s go for it! (And if you’re curious synonyms include: spirit, tone, feel, feeling, flavor.)

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This was a wonderful exercise as the new year gets started - I plan to re-read it throughout to check in and remind myself what I have declared this year to be!