Is Your New Year Meeting Your Expectations

Ten years ago

Our daughters begged us to let them stay up to watch the ball drop in Times Square to celebrate the New Year. They are now both college students who remember and tell the story of that night with emotion. We told them that they could stay up and watch the ball drop at midnight. We did our best to explain to them what to expect and shared the emotions of experiencing the end of one year and the expectations of hope of a new year.

After our children were born

My husband and I chose to celebrate New Year’s Eve quietly at home. We would prepare finger food, snacks and out favorite non-alcoholic beverages. We would play board games with our daughters, listen to music and enjoy each other. They were too young to stay up and always fell asleep way before midnight. As they grew older, their curiosity about what happens when the New Year arrives increases.

We told them that the ball drops in New York City counting down the seconds until the New Year officially arrives. Venues, like five-star resorts have lavish fireworks displays announcing the arrival of a new beginning. Regular people shoot of their own firecrackers. They also shoot their guns. “So, stay away from the windows and turn off the lights!”

So, when our daughters asked to stay up when they were 11 and 9 years old, we said “sure, go right ahead.”

They were so excited

They set up their own party in the guest bedroom. Their bedroom didn’t have a television. They disappeared around 9 pm as their dad and I settled into our own private party. Occasionally, they joined us sharing a performance they just watched or talking about a performer who was interviewed. They were enjoying themselves and we enjoyed watching them.

A few minutes before midnight

We started hearing gunshots. We started watching the clock and watching the station that showcased the Swarovski crystal ball in New York. Then, the moment occurred. The ball began its descent. My husband and I wondered if our daughters were still awake.

“Happy New Year!” We said to each other and shared a kiss. At that moment, our daughters burst into the room. Our youngest led the way. “Is that it!” she said. “Is that all that’s going to happen?” We were surprised. “What do you mean?”

She explained “you said the ball was going to drop.” We replied “yes, and it did.” She said with disdain “I expected it to drop and roll into the people.” She continued “this is so lame!” “I’m not watching it anymore!” She stormed out. Her sister shrugged her shoulders and followed.

My husband and I were stunned. Our daughter expected the ball to drop and roll into the crowd of people. I imagined what that would look like and had to agree that a huge crystal ball rolling into a crowd would be more interesting.

What are your expectations for the new year?

Did you set resolutions around things or actions, rather than feelings or experiences? For example, have you resolved to eat better or healthier? Have you resolved to exercise more? Have you resolved to buy the Audi you always wanted? These are resolutions about things and actions.

Have you given up on your New Year’s resolutions yet?

I never set resolutions anymore because by the time February comes, I’ve given up. As I grew older, the act of setting a resolution lost its novelty. I couldn’t keep it and it didn’t feed my soul.

This year

I made a commitment to myself to experience purpose, peace, prosperity and power in my life. Every morning I get up setting an intention that is directly related to one or more of these areas. My intention reminds me that every action, thought, or feeling I have should align with my desire to experience purpose, peace, prosperity and power. If it does not align, I let it go.

I began by making a commitment to take care of me. Every morning I begin my day with 30 minutes of quiet time. I am also going to the gym 4 days a week.

You are invited to join me as I take a journey toward purpose, peace, prosperity and power. I re-introduced the Morning Moments on Instagram. Download your free copy of Stress is Personal, the e-book that chronicles the strain stress places on hard-working professionals. If you have not listened to the audio series Get Through the Day Without Losing it, feel free to download it. I will introduce an expanded version soon.