At the last minute, I’ve decided on a New Year’s resolution and a modified participation in Dry January.

New Year’s Resolution

I don’t make a big deal about New Year’s resolutions, preferring to resolve to better my life at any time of the year. But this resolution feels doable, and it’s something I’ve been meaning to do for the past couple of years: make an appointment with a dermatologist. It’s decidedly underwhelming, yes, but I haven’t done it yet, and I need to.

Social Drinks January

Similarly, I’m not a regular Dry January participant. Last year I did “Moderation January” because I was starting to average 2 drinks a day, and that felt like too much to me. So I committed to a 1-drink/day max. Times when I’ve given up alcohol completely have been difficult because it’s such a part of my daily routine: log off work at 5, grab a beer from the beer fridge, head upstairs and start making dinner.

This year, it’s not the alcohol that bothers me, but the calories. I think if I cut out the daily beer but still allow myself to have a drink with friends, it will reduce my overall consumption while not removing the opportunity to enjoy a beer. So this year I’m doing “Social Drinks January.”