I have never been one for New Years resolutions. In fact, I feel they are designed for us to fail. We all have our set of daily, weekly, and even monthly obligations that fill up our calendars and stress us out. What if in the coming new year we promise ourselves not to “do more”, but rather, less?

By the time you reach mid-life, you have usually raised your children, participated in their education, worked hard, and ran yourself amok to be all things, to all people, at all times. You are fully within reason, and your rights, to just chill.

We all find our own way to relax. Some prefer meditation, others may like to do crafts. I am not suggesting to do less of the activities that give you joy. I am encouraging you to do more of those things! There is nothing better than self-care!

As you are asked, possibly too many times over the coming month, what your New Year’s resolutions are, just smile and say “I resolve to do less!”.

Here are some affirmations to help you live in joy:

• I am not responsible for other people’s emotions if I did not cause the issue.
• I do not have to answer every phone call or respond to every text immediately, (or at all).
• I can eat desert and not feel guilty about it.
• If I do not feel like making plans I can say no.
• I do not need a reason or excuse for anything.
• I do not have to change my tone or temperament as long as I am being true to my core self.
• There is nothing “wrong” with me.
• I may not be for everybody but I am for the people I want to be around.
• I do not owe anybody anything that does not come natural to me.
• I refuse to lose my sense of self by giving too much to others.
• I will relax when I want to, go out when I feel like it, and always be my true self.

It is my experience that as we get older we forget our human needs and lean too far into our compassion. Our hearts become delicate, or develop rough edges. I have seen many of my midlife friends and clients get to a point where they are either deeply saddened or just turned off by the world around them. Worst case scenario is when they are a touch of both and never quite sure how they feel anymore.

I find that in the era where we should have more time for selfcare, we are taking less time for ourselves. In 2026 let’s not resolve anything in particular, but instead, let’s all promise …

• Worry Less
• Stress Less
• Apologize Less
• Self-criticize less
• Say Yes Less
• Make Comparisons Less
• Put Other’s Needs Less
• Stay Silent Less

Have you felt diminished? Please like this post and share your feelings and thoughts. Prompt: What do you feel you could do less of? Please share with us in the comments section below.