A lot has happened over the past 12-14 months for Matt and I. We considered including a little newsletter/update in our holiday cards this year, but didn’t really have time to make that happen. As a compromise, we wanted to do a quick video update that could be shared with friends and family (especially those who live in different parts of the country and beyond). But again, there’s been a lack of time to make such an endeavour happen.
Instead, I’m here to encourage everyone not feel pressured into setting goals that are driven by guilt trips. It drives me nuts that the bulk of advertising right now focuses around weight loss, kicking bad habits like smoking, and dating (did you know that eHarmony is free this weekend? After the 50th time I saw their ad, I think I got the memo…).
After a busy 365 days, many of us often finish off the year with a jam-packed holiday season and then New Year’s Eve arrives. We’re left thinking, “What have I done this year” and unfortunately, many of us think, “What didn’t I get to do? What do I need to do better next year?” Again, have another helping of guilt.
In my opinion, as long as you’re happy, that’s all that counts and really matters in the end. If you’re busy and don’t have a house that’s completely spotless, it’s not the end of the world as long as you’re generally pleased with life on a day-to-day basis. Now if dust bunnies really bring you down, perhaps there’s a need to incorporate a weekly Swiffer workout to help alleviate that unnecessary stress.
My advice: follow your dreams, do what you love, and never forget to have fun.
Lately, I’ve often heard myself saying “If you can’t have fun while doing something, what’s the point?” Even when things have been busy or stressful at work, I try to smile and where appropriate, use humour to remind others that this too shall pass. There’s light at the end of the tunnel and we can do a little happy dance when the good times return.
It’s been a few years since I watched this video, but I think Kiwi is a great reminder to us all as we think about who we are and what we want out of 2012. The wee little kiwi has a goal and works so hard to achieve what it ultimately wants.
No matter what your circumstances, make them yours and have a great 2012!! <3