If our children made New Year's resolutions and goals like we do as adults, I would imagine they would look as ridiculous as ours a few months into the year.
Not because they are unattainable or irrational. They come each year with good intentions, each of us promising and striving and yearning to achieve something we didn't in the previous year; to leave something behind that may have been negative and hope beyond hope that the New Year will bring only positive growth and outcomes.
As I entered the 2015 with Addy, I started to think about what this crazy kid is going to be "resolving" to do in the future. Not that I want to think about her teenage years...but I know it's coming. Lord, before I know it, she will be on Facebook. If there is such a thing. And then I will have to answer for all those photos I posted.
So what does my 4-year-old want to accomplish in 2015?
Addy would like to eat less veggies. A lot less. Like, none, would be a great start.
She would like me to stop eating anything green, too, as witnessed by her incessant need to always inform me that she would, indeed, "not eat" whatever she deems undesirable on my plate.
And, like any 4-year old girl, Addy would resolve to: play more, sleep less, watch Frozen, watch Strawberry Shortcake, go to grandma's house more often, dance daily, eat cookies, eat cake, eat ice cream, eat pancakes, play nonstop.
But here's the thing: Addy's goals are real. They're worthy and honest.
While I want to challenge myself to do more one-on-one volunteerism, be a better father and friend and hit the gym more often, things we "want" to do in the next 365 days should perhaps be a better place to start on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1. When we shoot for "what I should become" or "I wish I could have the courage to do this" we set ourselves up for failure.
When I asked Addy what is one thing she would like to get done this year, she said, "Go to Paradise Park."
Simplicity. You have to appreciate that.
My kiddo isn't hard on herself. She doesn't linger on the negative. She's either always happy or looking for something that she can laugh about.
Perhaps, then, my outlook for 2015 is simple: take more lessons from someone that's be alive less time than I spent in college.
Oh, and write more. You'll be hearing a lot from me in 2015.