Birthday promises

Perhaps because my birthday is so close to the start of the year, it gives me an extended period of time where I think about what I want for the upcoming year.

Based on the last election, I am confident I will be getting several things that I don't want. 

There are things I don't control, but that makes the things I can control even more important.

So, here are some of my commitments. If you want, you can think of them as gifts to you.

I am going to do my best not to spread disease. 

Yes, that means masking and washing hands. It's not just COVID anymore; there are so many terrible disease going around that you can't worry about only aerosols and fomites anymore; surface contact transmission is very much in play.

However, I have worried that my mask may cut me off from other people, making me look hostile or unapproachable. So, I have committed to radiating love as much as possible while masked, being glad to see people and beaming because of that. 

I am committing to love.

(I 'll try to still radiate love when not masked, but especially when masked.)

Loving doesn't always correspond to liking of course, but there are still things I can do there.

I commit to trying to appreciate the good things about everyone and anyone. 

I commit to understanding that no one is perfect, and that trying is worth a lot.

When I do like you, that is a joy. I am trying to be better about vocalizing that and remembering . 

I commit to working on that.

Of course, some people aren't trying very hard. I commit to being forthright about that, but not holding grudges from it. If I need to shut you out, I can still wish you well.

I commit to choosing kindness over comfort, and protection of the vulnerable over the ease of the powerful.

This may make me annoying sometimes, but it's worth it.

In a world full of a flood of misinformation and disinformation, worsened by people who have abandoned critical thinking, I commit to staying well-informed and staying honest.

When sharing can be helpful, I am going to try and do that, and do it with as much accuracy and clarity as possible.

This could also potentially be annoying. If so, that is not my intent. 

For what it's worth, I deliberately annoy my younger sisters at least once daily, and I adore them, so maybe it puts you in good company.