New Year's Resolution Ideas from California
Sick of people asking what your New Year's Resolution is?
Bored of hearing the same old lame quotes from fickle people that you know, though well meaning, will never last the year? Perhaps you haven't thought up something actually worth committing a whole year of your life to, or if you're like me you take the easy road and resolve not to make a resolution because you're quite happy with your life, you can't think up anything un-lame and you're fickle too so why bother.
In 2016 Quiggy made a NYR to give up alcohol and sugar which he stubbornly stuck to regardless of my begging him to come back to the land of fun and sweet living. It's now been 2 years and his NYR has become a lifestyle and I'm very proud of his achievement and for not making me 'achieve' it with him. If you are ready to take on the 365 day responsibility, or better still make a lifestyle resolution, then I have a few ideas from our travels that may give you an un-lame goal.
1. Travel (duh!) It doesn't matter where you go, how much you spend or who goes with you just make it a priority.
Seeing different places, animals, trees, architecture, weather, people, food, cars, etc. keeps you fresh, social, open minded and grateful. Capitola is one of the many pretty stretches along the Californian Coast, even in winter.
2. Try house sitting. This is to quash the excuse you're using that you can't afford to travel. House sitting is free, available in most countries (even your own so that quashes the "I'm afraid of flying" excuse) and you have all the comforts of home because it is one. Our experience has been excellent. We've stayed in beautiful homes in exciting places and had everything at our fingertips including wifi, netflix, fully equipped kitchens and laundries, books, games and in some sits, cars. Yes sometimes you have to pick up doggy doo but our hosts have welcomed us warmly, shown us around their 'hoods and reinforced our belief that people are kind, helpful and just the same as us.
3. Take time out. Most people struggle with this because of money and the trappings of stuff. Stuff costs money and making money takes your time and so the wheel goes round. It takes great resolve to allow yourself to take time off and to work out how you make that happen but you really do deserve it and your body, mind and soul will thank you for it. I used to say "I can't take time off" and here I am doing exactly what I said I couldn't and I thank me for making it happen. Sounds cocky to thank yourself but Quiggy tried to get me to take time off many times and failed. I had to make it happen and so do you.
4. Drive the California Coast Road from San Diego to San Francisco (Carpinteria and off-shore drills pictured above). It's stunning (even with the drills), accessible and friendly to all ages and abilities. Car hire here is reasonably cheap but the road rules are a free for all. We are surprised at how fast everyone drives here but we didn't see many accidents so just go with it. One thing we noticed is that no matter what beach you stop at all budgets are catered for. Whether you want the Ritz-Carlton hotel, an RV park for your huge off-roader or somewhere to pitch a tent, you can find it along the coast. The beaches, sunsets and wildlife change as you travel along, as does the real estate, retail shops and demographics. The only section of the road we couldn't drive was Big Sur due to road closure.
5. Get creative. Travelling to new places gets the creative juices flowing. There's so much beauty in the world it's difficult not to take a photo of first light in the woods, or collect shells and driftwood to adorn your home, to want to paint the tequila sunsets, make music from the tunes you heard in the jazz and blues bars, and write about the view from your personal lens. Find your creative outlet, it's the best therapy around.
6. Start a little free library. While walking around the streets of Moss Beach we noticed some homes had made little wooden boxes with glass doors standing proudly in the front garden. Filled with books these little libraries are made to share with the community. Anyone can borrow a book or donate a book. The book may be returned to another little library so donations may not be returned to the same spot but new books will appear in it's place. What a wonderful idea even if you don't read. We all have books collecting dust at home that could be treasured by someone or many so give it go in your neighbourhood.
7. If none of the above appeal then you can always adopt a drain. Yes it's a thing. San Francisco's 'Adopt-a-Drain' program "fosters community engagement by encouraging San Franciscans to take an active role in improving their neighbourhood". I love this idea. You register to be a Drain Parent, find a drain to adopt, get tips on how to keep it clean and the best part - you get to name it. The most popular name is Drainy McDrainface followed by Brain Drain. I think I'd call mine 'Insane in the mem-drain'. You?
#Back into a New Year
#Skip the lame resolutions that won't last
#Go on get creative!