I am not so good at making New Year’s resolutions. I like self-improvement and try and work on something each year but usually take January to think about it, so it’s not a New Year
Paula Bennett: To decide or not to decide, or to decide not to . . .
![Paula Bennett](https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/nzme/5ef46bb1-9670-4dd5-9d3a-563bee93954d.png)
It usually starts with a list ... perhaps it shouldn't. Photo / Nora Sahinun
One year I gave myself permission to cry. A bit weird I know. But I had put up protective walls and thought I was getting a bit stoic. A cry in private and even the odd tear in public if it’s for a good reason is not something to be ashamed of. It means you give a damn.
The year after I left Parliament I decided that I would put me and my family first. Too often I had missed significant family events. My own health had suffered because I hadn’t looked after me. I have formed a habit on this one.
I love to work and do my best to juggle everything and do my job well. But I also take time for my family and for me. Guess I am lucky that I work for a company like Bayleys that values family.
I have also formed a habit of not living my life through social media. Last year I was finding it quite boring. It’s not often someone posts something that is that interesting or surprising. A good way to see photos of the kids’ activities but that’s about it.
Maybe this year instead of deciding to do something, I should decide not to something. My bloke would like me to stop writing lists. More specifically he would like me to stop writing him lists. Unlikely.
I don’t think I will ask him what else he thinks I should stop doing. I like being married and his answer might put that in jeopardy, especially if I answered in kind. Some things are best left unsaid. He would probably like me to stop writing about him in my columns. Unlikely.
Seems I am going to have to take January to think about it