Star Burst © lynette sheppard

New Year’s resolutions. They can be a setup for judgment, stress, and failure. While the “clean slate” of January 1 can certainly inspire us to set goals and intentions, it can also overburden us with expectation.

This year, why not make a “Ta Da” list looking back at 2017instead of focusing on To Do’s for the year ahead?

Your list need not focus on accomplishments (although those are worth a “Ta Da” certainly.) More important:  what inspired you? Touched you? Gave you joy?

Achievements might be just as easily be shifts in attitude, changes in self knowledge, feelings of connection, or new worldviews. All too often we don’t take the time to savor or appreciate what we have done, seen, or felt over the past 365 days. We don’t allow for the “Ta Da” before we rush on to the next “To Do”. Sheesh, no wonder we’re stressed sometimes.

So for the next few days, Menopause Goddesses, let’s compile a list of all we have done and experienced during 2017. In this eye-of-the-storm lull between Christmas frenzy and New Year’s celebrating, let’s ruminate on the past. Give yourself a great, glorious pat on the back for all that you have done and been this year.

We can work on our walloping To Do list later. For now, shout “Ta Da” out loud and celebrate all you’ve experienced over the last twelve months.