It's the start of a new year and a time when we look back, assess the old year and make some resolutions, or not for the new one.
Yes, we want to lose a little weight, exercise more, eat better…..doesn't take long with our ultra-busy lives to get off track , and once off the path of good intentions, hard to steer ourselves back on.
I've tried it all in the past, writing down those simple resolutions, tracking progress.....it still doesn't seem to make a difference, within a month, it's back to the old comfortable ways.
I've tried it all in the past, writing down those simple resolutions, tracking progress.....it still doesn't seem to make a difference, within a month, it's back to the old comfortable ways.
This year I'm trying something new. I'm shooting for a broader type of change around perception/lifestyle versus specific action or activity.
Resolution #1: Be happier
It's easy to jump on the negativity-wagon these days. High unemployment, weather disasters, the high price of gas, the poor housing market, political unrest and it goes on and on…..but I can't let it get me down when there is so much positive to combat the negative.
How to be happier?
- Taking it one day at a time.
- Stressing less over what is out of my control.
- Enjoying the small things in life, a beautiful sunset, the comical antics of my pets, cooking a meal with my husband, quiet time for reflection.
- Appreciating the fact that my family is in good health.
- Being thankful for good friends and neighbors.
Resolution #2: Be a duck
Water rolls off a duck's back, let the little annoyances and even some of the bigger ones roll off. If I can't control it, why stress about it? Doesn't mean I don't pay attention to the stupidity I might see in our world, big and small, and it doesn't mean I don't care. What it means is that I will deal with what is within my control and let what isn't, just roll.
Resolution #3: Take more time for me
In this crazy busy world we live in, seems like there's always sometime to do and never enough time for taking care of ourselves. "Me-time" is about recharging the body and soul by doing something that makes us feel good. All those things I think about doing and then shake my head saying I don't have time to do, well, that's going to change. Maybe it's one thing once a month, once a week, whatever, but there will be definite "me-time" in 2013 even if I have to schedule it into my calendar!
Will I be successful? I have to believe I can make progress in each of these areas . How will I know? Reflecting back on the year as it progresses.
So, what kind of year will you have? Think about it, do something about it, but make it manageable. The smallest success is still a success and even a failure is a learning experience that we can take into the next year and try to improve upon.
Good luck to us, one and all!
Good luck to us, one and all!
