My Resolution for 2020 Is to Have More Fun

As we usher in a new year, I realize that I have not made resolutions in ages, which I guess is directly related to my sarcoidosis.

I suppose that years ago, I put goals to paper on Jan. 1. Items such as exercising more and eating more healthily were at the top of my list, as is often the case with New Year’s resolutions. I put work, commitments, and responsibilities before all else, so I usually had to remind myself to have more fun.

Year after year, I found myself making the same resolutions. Then, like so many others, my focus on these new goals waned quickly. One year, I recognized this trend and stopped making resolutions. I guess you could say I quit cold turkey.

Over time, I started to feel that resolutions no longer served much of a purpose in my life. I remind myself of the importance of healthy eating every day. I’m aware of the negative impact a poor diet can have on chronic health conditions. Exercise can be tricky for people with sarcoidosis. But I try to incorporate movement into my daily life, including walking, gardening, yoga (or some attempt at it), and playing with our dog.

If I had to pick resolutions for 2020, they would be new and fresh sentiments. I would focus on staying positive, spending time and energy on activities that make me happy, and filling my life with people who do the same.

At the same time, I also recognize that it wouldn’t hurt to focus more on having fun. We all know the health benefits of laughter, especially for people with chronic health conditions. Perhaps fun should be my top priority — my resolution — for 2020.

I have always found that goals are more attainable if I detail them as much as possible. So, my resolution to have more fun starts with watching funny movies or sitcoms, reading more comical and less dramatic books, and taking a more carefree approach to life. Maybe I’ll subscribe to a feed that sends me a daily joke via email.

I chuckle as I type these words. I know my personality and recognize what a challenge this resolution will be. But I’d like to believe that because the thought of this resolution has me smiling, I’m off to a good start already.

Happy New Year!

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