New Year's Resolutions
Christmas has come and gone, and so has the cold arctic air blast that came in during the Christmas holidays. We have had enough arctic cold air this year, but we may experience below-average temperatures again in January. According to the Farmer's Almanac, “January 16-23 will bring heavy rain and snow across the eastern two-thirds of the country, followed by what might be one of the coldest outbreaks of arctic air we have seen in several years.” It seems that every weather event that has happened this year has been historical. Nonetheless, every day is a new day, and every year is a new year. So, let's take the new year's road with confidence and hope and see where it leads us.
Everyone usually makes a few new year's resolutions, and most end up falling off track somewhere before summer. But it's a healthy practice to set goals even if the expectations we set for ourselves aren't always met. It's admirable even to try. The most popular resolutions are to lose weight, get fit, quit smoking, start a journal, get your finances in better shape, and travel to a new state, to name a few. I have made many and have resolved many, some I did not. I can say firsthand that old habits are tough to change, but that doesn't mean it can't be done.
The first step is to be realistic and make a goal that you can attain. Look at the pros and cons when making your list so you know what to expect on your journey. Second, it is good to outline your plan. This works best if you are going to try a new weight-loss program. Also, if you have decided to work out or start walking, it is always good to have a friend join you and hold you accountable. A key is choosing a friend with a goal that aligns with yours, and you can hold each other accountable.
Another popular resolution is starting a journal or diary. I decided to journal when I was pregnant with my first child, but that was many years ago, and I haven't been journaling much since. This year, I aim to write at least one page daily in my journal. A slew of research shows how beneficial and healthy journaling can be for mental health. What I think is interesting about a journal is to go back and read years later and see how much has changed. Remembering how far you've come out of struggles can be uplifting. Likewise, reading about things you accomplished in the past can be motivating for rough patches ahead.
Some resolutions, like trying to lose weight and stop smoking can be more challenging. I've decided to lose some weight this year, and I will if I change my eating habits and exercise more. I've lost weight before, and exercising has been a large part of being successful. Smoking was a bad habit that I started when I was about 17. It was a habit that was not easy to quit. When I quit, I had been going through a divorce, and my daughter, Emily, and I were living in Florence. We were on our way home from work, and she started asking me questions about my Dad. She asked if I thought he was wise. She also asked if I thought he was someone I looked up to and listened to. I thought she was asking all the questions because my Mom and Dad had spent a lot of time with her a few weeks before this conversation, but the last questions caught me by surprise. She asked me if I believed my Dad was so smart and wise, why don't I listen when he told me that smoking kills and I needed to stop. Emily said that if smoking can kill me, she would be left all by herself. Talk about laying on the guilt trip thick. I quit that day and never picked them up again. In fact, I threw the entire pack of cigarettes out the window then and there!
A child can be the best motivation. There are many different new year's resolutions. Set a goal, keep positive, and accomplish it. The outcome is so rewarding. The main thing to remember is don't beat yourself up about missing a few steps or falling behind. Instead, reward yourself for small accomplishments, keep your eye on the prize, and stay positive during the hard days. You will be so happy that you did.