10 things I probably won't do this year

I saw this prompt on another blog and thought it looked like a resolution list in reverse.  Let me just state:  there are things I know I should do, or should want to do, and I could do them but I just don't, and I probably won't. This is a radically empowering concept, that that's coming from a person who loves her goals and lists!  So here's my list of Things I Probably Won't Do This Year:

for sure I won't be doing this

Travel outside of the US/Texas - I am a homebody, through and through.  An adult who gets homesickness from a day away, much less a string of them.  Travel has never been my thing.

Get a different job - I am too close to retiring from this field.  When I finally figure out how to spend my retirement days, then I will proceed.  For me, it cannot be the other way around.  I want to know where I am headed.  And I don't want to start over.

Pester my adult kids - They know my phone number, my address, and my work schedule.  If they wanted to see or talk to me on a regular basis they would.  And I'm not going to wait around for that, and I will stop asking them for assistance, except in cases of emergency and maybe not even then.

Date - I don't see this happening any time soon, especially not on any dating websites. I definitely believe in relationships/friendships happening organically. So I'm going to keep on living my single life, caring for myself, and taking life as it comes.

Replace the grass in the front yard - This would require a BUNCH of money, both from the outset and with on-going maintenance.  It would involve new sod, a sprinkler system overhaul, and continued care. Mowing the grass is so hard here in the summer.  Combine that with the herds of deer in our neighborhood and it gets even more challenging.  I'll be doing good to keep my shrubs.  As it is, I will have to spray those once a month with deer spray.

Facebook - This is a terrible platform to stay in touch with  other humans.  Its mainly people creeping on other people, or bragging, or promoting their business, or discussing politics.  Its a negative place, and not for me. If you know me and are my friend, we don't need Facebook. 

Lose weight - The best I can do is eat healthy foods, watch how much I drink, and walk regularly.

Do a big Christmas - I want to keep Christmases small from here on out.  I want Santa to bring less food, money, expectations, and stress, please.  I will decorate just enough to make my home cheery for me.  Cook just enough not to drown in leftovers.  Go out just enough to feel connected with the season.  Spend just enough on gifts to make them meaningful.  Aim for peace.

Get a pet - With my current work schedule, it would be unfair to bring a dog into my life.  A cat might be doable, but I don't want my furniture shredded, and I don't want to deal with a litter pan.  I love that I come home to the same clean and tidy home that I left for the day.  I think I am done sharing my space with critters.

Worry about grief - I don't think I'm 100% done, by any means, but since the holidays have passed it does seem to be easing up a bit. I'm sure I will still blog about it from time to time, and I do also journal and talk to friends.  Instead of  imposing expectations or time limits on myself, I will give myself grace.