Hi. It’s me. Oliver.
It’s been a while, but I’m back, a year older and maybe a little wiser.

I’m taking over my papa’s blog today because I have a few things on my mind.
Mostly about you.
And the New Year.
Also, I type very slowly with my paws, so thank you for waiting.

Every year, when the calendar changes, something strange happens to my humans.

You wake up very serious.
You make lists.
You talk about “goals” and “new year, new resolutions” before you’ve even had enough coffee.

I don’t fully understand why January makes you think you need to become someone else.
But I’ve been paying attention, and I have some thoughts.

Please note: these thoughts come from a puppy who loves you very much.

You Wake Up Thinking Something Is Wrong With You

On January 1st, my humans look at themselves like they’re unfinished.

You say things like:
“I need to do better.”
“I didn’t do enough last year.”
“This year has to be different.”

From where I sit, you look the same as you did yesterday.
Still tired. Still kind. Still trying.

I don’t wake up trying to be a new dog.
I just wake up happy that you’re here.

You Call It Growth, But It Looks Like You’re Being Mean to Yourself

When you talk about becoming “better,” you also stop being gentle.

You take away rest.
You add rules.
You push yourself even when you look exhausted.

When I want a good day, I stretch, eat, go outside, and take a nap. Sometimes two naps. Or three.

You don’t need to be harder on yourself to grow.
You might just need more care.

You Rush Like Someone Is Timing You

January makes you move very fast.

You try to plan the whole year in one sitting.
You act like if you don’t start strong, everything will fall apart.

I have never rushed a walk.
We still always get there.

No one is chasing you.
You’re allowed to slow down.

You Make Big Lists Instead of Listening to Yourself

You write lists about who you should be.

But I don’t hear you ask:
“Am I tired?”
“Do I need rest?”
“What would actually help right now?”

When I don’t feel good, I sit closer to you.

Maybe that’s a good place to start.

What I Think You Should Do Instead

If I were in charge of the New Year (I can be trusted), here’s my plan:

Go slower.
Rest more.
Keep what already works.
Let go of what feels heavy.
Be nicer to yourself.

You don’t need a new you.
You need a cared-for you.

A Final Thought About New Year, New Resolutions

The New Year doesn’t mean you failed last year.

It just means you’re still here.
And I’m very glad you are.

Now please sit down.
We can rest together.

Love,
Oliver 🐾