The Year of Abundance
Just about now, foodies and other fine citizens nationwide are taking comfort in the New Year. What other time of year so aggressively sanctions the act of starting all over again? Those innumerable regrets you harbor for locking your hip next to the truffles and cookies at your holiday office party, or indulging in more than your fair share of vanilla bean martinis and apple pie since Thanksgiving rolled around? Poof! They can be magically transformed into a Resolution For What You Will Not Do in 2010.
I suppose the handed-down Puritan psychology that formed the backbone of our culture’s work ethic has something to do with our obsessive need to feel bad about enjoying All Things Good and then resolve to change our ways. 
Yet, it’s a lovely idea that we can take control over our choices, make good (or, ahem, better) ones, and purposefully turn ourselves into more enlightened beings.
This year, instead of looking at those places where reality is not measuring up to my ideal (and thereby crafting a resolution born out of a lack or ill-feeling for where I fell short), I’m focusing on what I want to bring into my life – multiple mountain bike and ski trips, my first garden, new yummy recipes, and a dog – regardless of last year’s accomplishments.
For me, there’s no point saddling myself with a painful, daunting task such as: I will only drink coffee once a week. Instead, I might ‘resolve’ to drink more tea! As you can see, it’s a subtle shift, but this approach focuses on what I can bring more of into my life, instead of what I need to cut out. Here’s how this plays out across the board in my essential 2010 Resolutions for Abundance:
1. Bring on Seasonal Eating
In 2009 I embraced local and seasonal produce like never before. I joined Happy Heart Farm CSA as a working member and started learning about our local farmers. I want to expand my knowledge of Colorado farms in 2010, eat as seasonally as possible and start interviewing farmers to learn more about their operations, land and passion for food.
2. Love my Fridge
I’ve been dining out with less frequency on account of the previous resolution, but lately when I open my fridge these days – it’s scary inside. So many cheeses left unloved, so many veggies rotting in the bottom of my drawer. Guess I need to cook more and truth be told, shop with less enthusiasm. The more I cook, the more I can share with friends and the more we can consult on new recipes and ways to use the veggies, cheeses and leftover rice that occupy the dark recesses of said fridge. Of course, with vanilla at my side, there’s always room for creativity, like playing around with this rice pudding recipe by using my precious vanilla beans instead of extract.
3. Muse, Bluegrass, and Dancing
I love to dance, I love music, and I love to be inspired. While I’m no artist, I seek more creative energy in my every day life and I know that music and dancing will help take me there. So, I aim to turn up the tunes, boogie in every corner of the house, and celebrate the sounds and rhythms of life. I just might even learn to play an instrument, go to my first ever Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and start writing a book.
4. Get a dog
I’ve never, ever had a pet. I aim to change that this year. I’m so excited. Woof!
5. Ride, ride, ride, ride and ski, ski, ski, ski
I’m a glutton for mountain biking and backcountry skiing. I can never get enough of both. This year, I want to take more trips to explore new trails and see new mountains. I’m also aiming to ride more at night with my super cool new headlamp.
What will you bring into your life in 2010? More vanilla? More healthy eating? More hikes in the woods? Discovering new cafes and favorite haunts? Whatever makes it onto your list, I wish you great joy in embracing that which enriches your life, expands your heart and gives you new hope in the new year.
With abundance,
Carol
Happy New Year to Legalnonresident, alicepopkorn, Ed Youdon, and Rob Lee for the use of their spirited photos.
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Tags: healthy eating food, new year resolutions, pure vanilla extract, rodelle vanilla, seasonal foods, vanilla beans, vanilla extract
