Reforming Resolutions

Reforming Resolutions

Ahhhhh. The Holidays have passed. And for most, not without getting our tinsel tangled and our falala jingles jangled.  And here we are. In a New Year, with a new set of ideas for the future. As you know by now, I am not a fan of resolutions. I view them as vicious, cyclic listings of our perceived shortcomings, where, in fact, trying to improve ourselves in just a few weeks only brings us to the realization that we either a) don’t want to give up what we resolved to do or b) like feeling bad all over again this year for not trying. When resolutions even dare present themselves into my mind, I abstractly throw them to the gutter and stomp on them! Why? Because I cannot remember the last time a New Year’s resolution has really helped!

For example, we all know eating more fruits and vegetables, taking some meditative time for ourselves and staying active are good for us today, and in the long run. Yet, I cannot help thinking that instead of making proposals and propositions with ourselves, we should simply strive to be happy. No guilt. No shame. Just Happy. After all, isn’t that what we are really hoping for each other when we give a Happy New Year’s congratulation? Not a “new year new you” ambition but a Happiness wish for the future. 

In order to do this, perhaps there are a few things we need to “Get Over”:

Get over the fact that you’re not going to lose those last 10 pounds. If you’ve been trying your whole life to look like a model or gym trainer, now’s the time to look in the mirror and accept who you are. Stop choking down salmon and kale if you can’t stand the taste. Unless your health is in jeopardy, it’s time to embrace the fact that as we age, our bodies change. Buy something to wear that looks good on you ~and makes you feel good~, not something that fits the 10-less pound person 

you might never be.

Get over the fact that you’re not methodically organized. If you aren’t color-coordinating and micro-coding every item in your life with Post-it notes and Sharpie pens, you probably aren’t ready to start now. Tackling old photos you’ve tucked in a shoe box is one thing, alphabetizing the spices in your kitchen pantry and spacing hangers in your closet exactly an inch apart is not for everyone. You’ve gotten this far in life and are still surviving. Unruly piles or accruing messes get done better if done in small doses. Find your system and stick with it.

Get over the fact that you won’t ever run a marathon. Yup. 

Most of us will never feel the weight of a gold medal around our neck. If you don’t like to run, don’t. If yoga’s not your thing, don’t sweat and Ommm through it. Instead, walk, swim, golf, dance, play ping pong, shuffleboard, tennis; just do something! Stay active. It’s not only good for your body, 

but also for your mind.

Get over the fact that more is better. There comes a time in life when it’s time to put away the idea that reaching for more equals a successful, happy person. It doesn’t. It’s time to stop forcing ourselves to be something we’re not. It only makes you miserable. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back and be content with the surplus you already have.

Get over the fact that you’ll never cook like Rachael Ray. I admire anyone who is cooking their own meals, especially if they live alone, because it takes creativity. But don’t think buying all the ingredients for a meal you’ll only cook once (and possibly not like) will somehow be a game changer in your culinary world. Eat to live and enjoy it. It’s even OK to order in once in awhile.

I understand the idea of a fresh start and a new calendar, but it’s not the first day of the Year that holds the power of change. Instead, it’s about whether or not you’re excited about what each day brings. Once we accept ourselves and resolve that happiness is to be desired more than uprooting and modifying ourselves, we may just find that everything else falls into place; like a bonus. You might even be surprised to recognize that you’re quite resilient after all. 

Seize the day to be the best you. 

Happiest of New Years to a Happier You!

“The Potential for Greatness Lives within each of us”  ~ Wilma Rudolph