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More or Less

“And now let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been, full of work that has never been done, full of tasks, claims, and demands; and let us see that we learn to take it without letting fall too much of what it has to bestow upon those who demand of it necessary, serious, and great things.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

We all enthusiastically commit to resolutions in January but I’m here to remind you that most of the year remains when the calendar flips to February – or even March. There are so many fresh start opportunities: the first of the month, the equinox, your birthday, every Monday. Or as poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox reminds us in “With Every Rising of the Sun,” each day is an opportunity to “Think of your life as just begun.”

I was inspired by artist and educator Wendy MacNaughton to create a more/less list for 2025. (She was inspired by Julia Rothman Draw Your Own More/Less Lists – The New York Times.) This can be a written or a visual list. Or both. On one side, make a list of things you want more of in 2025. On the other, make a list of what you want less of. Draw pictures! Do a collage! Add color! This a list that you can start anytime. The visual nature provides an ongoing reminder of what you want and what you don’t want.

A few things on my list:

  • More real community, Less social media community. The concept of community has become hopelessly perverted on social media. I know it’s not all bad. But most of it is. The downsides are there. Social media needs the Surgeon General’s warning more than cigarettes.
  • More creating, less reading about creating. The work, however imperfect, is better than the knowledge of someone else’s creations.
  • More homemade food, less processed food. I am well on my way with this one, but I still have a few items haunting my fridge and pantry.
  • More love, less judgment for myself and others.

January is pretty well established as the month to join a gym, give up alcohol, and eat more plant-based food. A few years ago, I was inspired by Cal Newport to take a social media vacation. Since then, he’s given it up entirely.

I can say that the longer I stay away from social media, the better I am overall. It’s worth reading (or reading about) The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt,  Digital Minimalism or Slow Productivity by Cal Newport, and My Parting Prescription for America by Vivek Murthy.

If you want to invite more plant-based options to your table, here are a few of my go-to resources:

Photo by Bram. on Unsplash