Back in 2008, after a horrid fall, I sat at the old wooden table in my in-laws’ dining room and declared  that I would take on a few things to make 2009 better than 2008. I’ve maintained the practice every year, composing my list and declaring it for public accountability.

Yesterday I sat down and pondered what I hoped for in 2015. Overall, I’m happy with the way I look and don’t feel a pull to “loose 20 pounds.” I eat healthy and will not deny myself the simple pleasures of morning coffee and an occasional (ha!) evening glass of wine. I love yoga and running, so I don’t need more resolve to participate in those things. I don’t smoke, so I’m pretty much finding the list of common new year’s resolutions useless as an inspiration.

Ready to install. I attempted yet discovered I could not properly wield a wrench. And it was too tall for H Boy to assist.

Ready to install. I attempted yet discovered I could not properly wield a wrench. And it was too tall for H Boy to assist.

I did read in a helpful article that a simple way to enjoy a better year is to remove regular annoyances. I decided to start there, beginning today. So at 9:05 after Lowe’s opened (my apologies to the employees for being part of the machine that justifies them working on a holiday), I marched my cranky children into the bath section and purchased a new shower head. (This is only because my in-laws would frown when I stole theirs, as it is quite possibly the world’s best shower head. It’s the perfect blend of pressure and surface area coverage. I’m pretty sure they installed it in 1981 and there’s a story about my FIL digging through the trash for it after they had redone the bathroom, including new bath hardware. All that to say, they’re a tad attached and I won’t be able to sneak it into my overnight bag at our next visit without them noticing.)

Yes, my better 2015 will start with a more gentle pressure. I hate my shower. So for less than $40, I’m  making my life numerous degrees better. My excitement is through the roof just knowing it awaits on the sink for JJ”s return tomorrow. I look at it and smile.

I’ve decided that if I am to make the next year better, because this year was a pretty good one, then it will be about small changes. I’m going to seek out the things that need improvement so that I can enjoy my already-pretty-good life. We rearranged the furniture a few days ago for a start – the couches now face each other and I feel like the room is more shui for conversation. My desk is tidier. I started the year with laundry caught up and put away. And with less chaos, I feel more at peace.

So, for 2015, I resolve to adjust the small and simple things that ruin my smile. I resolve to begin to find solutions, even when they cost me $40 because I will be a happier, kinder and more present person.

What about you? What ways will you try to make 2015 better than 2014? And, more importantly, what is the most magical showerhead you’ve ever used? Did I buy the right one? I still have the receipt so I can make changes.