Saturday, January 1, 2011

Resolutions

I'm not really sure I understand the meaning behind New Year's resolutions, unless it's just simply to make us feel bad about the things we never get around to accomplishing while we are busy getting through the year.  Resolution, to me, sounds more like solution.  It's the end result.  Problem solved.  But when we make New Year's resolutions we aren't solving problems.  We are creating or defining problems with ourselves and setting goals to correct those problems over the coarse of the year.  Its a very strange ritual.  Nevertheless, I can't stop myself from doing it.

I've taken a break from working out, cooking and eating healthy food, and all that other stuff that's supposed to be good for you.  I convinced myself that it would all be my New Year's "resolution" and I would start today, or rather Monday because it's easier to set routines on weekdays around here.  I didn't meet my weight loss goal that I wanted to by Christmas.  I didn't get to wear my gray cashmere sweater on Christmas Day.  And frankly I think even if I had lost that extra 8 pounds to reach my goal, I still wouldn't have been able to wear the sweater.  That thing is way smaller than I remember.  So for now it continues to remain a decoration in my closet.

Back to the resolutions, or lets just call them what they really are...problems.  I want to lose weight, get in shape, and be more active.  All of those are essentially the same thing.  I also need to drink more water, eat fewer carbs, and a ton more vegetables.  I'm sure these things are on many people list of things to do for the New Year, however I don't want to take a year to do them.  These are lifestyle changes that need to happen immediately and last a lifetime.  Wow, now that sounds like a daunting task!  How in the world does anyone keep "resolutions" like that?!  One day at a time, one meal at a time, one snack at a time.  It's not about solutions or results.  It's about preparedness and opportunity.

This year my focus is not going to be on what I want to do, but rather how I'm going to do it.  One day at a time, one meal at a time, one snack at a time.  If I'm prepared, then I can do it!  Wish me luck everyone, and I hope all of you have a very Happy New Year!