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Dr Ray Lightbown's avatar

I don't like the idea of NY resolutions. It feels like driving your car but only turning the wheel once a year. Watch your speed, constantly adjust to the traffic conditions, the weather.....etc. Your grandmother and mother are back to me. They are clapping in applause and patting your back. (That's 2 "backs" in 2 consecutive sentences - how is your upper back and shoulders? No matter if it doesn't fit with you)

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Clint Collide's avatar

Wow…my grandma and mom? I’m curious which grandmother. I’m in touch with one but haven’t “heard” from the other in years. As for my mom, when she “shows up” for me, she’s still working her guilt trips…and I’m still waiting for the frequent flyer points. lol Cheers, my dears!

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Dr Ray Lightbown's avatar

I did not identify which grandmother. I don't agree with your experiencing your mom as still critical and guilt-tripping. In spirit, people unload their mortal baggage. I suggest that you are replaying some memories when she shows up. Maybe you interpret what she thinks is advice or guidance as her old habit of criticising

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Clint Collide's avatar

No worries on which grandmother. As for my mother, our relationship was fraught with criticism and disappointment on both sides. So I’m likely projecting what I know with the unknowable. I hope her spirit is freer (and lighter) than her worldly incarnation. Bless her heart (without all the Southern piety and condescension). Thank you, Uncle Ray!

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Dr Ray Lightbown's avatar

She has returned home to spirit, since passing over. She is aware of how she was in physical manifestation but she is chill and lighter now. They all have mellowed.

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Clint Collide's avatar

Thank you, Uncle Ray. I’m glad she’s lighter. Hopefully easier on herself too. Much love and light….

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Drewski's avatar

The Nerd and the hare. The Nerd wins eventually. Slow, steady, consistent.

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Clint Collide's avatar

But what about the Hairy Nerd, Nerrrrrrd? 🤣🙈

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Gino Cosme's avatar

Clint, this is the kind of “new year” writing that can actually help readers work towards feeling more fulfilled.

Dropping resolutions for habits is a great move. Human-sized goals beat performative streaks every time, and I love the line between “seasonal growth” and “instant transformation.”

Also: “real date with a real man” made me laugh. Here’s to sustainable 2026, with room for rest, resets, and a little more water.

Happy new year!

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Clint Collide's avatar

Thank you, dear Gino. Glad the “mandate” made you laugh. Bad dad joke, but I’m well past daddy. 😂 Cheers and Happy New Year to you and yours!

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Keith Aron's avatar

This really resonated, Clint. I feel like we're on a similar developmental latitude - sustainability is one of my main aspirations for the coming year. Sustainability and inhabiting my own sovereignty. Wishing us both plenty of what we're hoping for. 💖🕊️

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Clint Collide's avatar

Cheering you on, Keith. I get the impression we’re on similar paths/trajectories too. Got my pom-poms out for us both! Cheers

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DougT's avatar

I hope your 2026 is starting to party for you all, Cheers DougT 🇫🇴🇬🇧

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Clint Collide's avatar

I might’ve been tardy to the party, but I’m making up for lost time. :-)

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Clint Collide's avatar

Dance on, Doug! :-)

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DougT's avatar

https://youtu.be/vqNcyFNMfLM?si=U5bNwIDbxTH_DAaS I wonder where the influence came from 😎

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Clint Collide's avatar

I LOVE me some Miss Bassey! Thanks, dear Doug….

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DougT's avatar

https://youtu.be/mcrZIK3gqbU?si=3Zbbx-NwWoz_RwEu getting 2026 off to a flying start

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Clint Collide's avatar

Fosse might have been straight, but he choreographed very gay. :-p

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sixes's avatar

🌈🏳️‍🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🎵🎶 Thanks Clint 🖤🤎💜💙💚💛🧡❤️🏳️‍🌈🌈🎶🎵

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Elizabeth Oldham (she/her)'s avatar

Love this focus on goals rather than resolutions!

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Michael Horvich's avatar

I love your New Year’s Goals, that epresent gentler ways of responding to yourself with care instead of cruelty.

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Larry LeBlanc's avatar

Yeah, that sounds like a good fit!

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Doug Thompson's avatar

👍

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