Resolutions
>> January 5, 2012
Do you make New Year's resolutions? Typically, I do not. I don't feel as though I should make lofty, and typically empty promises to myself. Particularly when I don't end up keeping those resolutions past January 10th.
But this year, I am going to try to be better in many ways. Well, maybe not many ways, but a few, significant ways. "Many ways" probably sounds like I fail at life, daily, and need to totally restructure how I live. I don't feel as though I am far off from my goals, but I know I'm not "there".
And, like so many things, maybe if I tell YOU my resolutions, I will have to be accountable to someone, for something.
This year, I plan to:
Be more relaxed. Or at least learn to relax. That's not to say I will be lax about work, or about important things, but I need to learn how to "let go", as my mom says. I know that I need to live a more balanced life, but I haven't exactly figured out how to mentally accept the changes that come with that balance. I need to let go of the need to always have a clean house, or the need to always have everything put away or all our beds made. I need to prioritize things in this order: Caroline and Hubby, my health and mental well being, lots of other very important things, blah blah blah, and finally home organization and life order. I am really good at getting things done and really good at making lists - but I think sometimes my desire to get things done, or check things off my list, inhibits my ability to enjoy - for enjoyment's sake. I think I am going to try light meditation, or perhaps deep breathing exercises to work on this. I'm not sure exactly how I am going to accomplish this resolution - but it's on the list. Maybe resolution #2 should be "figure out how to relax?"
Take care of myself. This resolution is three fold. I would like to eat better. I eat okay, but I know I don't eat well. I am still trying to think what this really means. I have been reading this blog lately, and I don't know if that's my answer, exactly. But I feel like my current, unregulated diet isn't right. Have you tried paleo? If so, can you let me know in the comments how easy it is? And what you think?
I would also like to workout more - in any small fashion. Granted, I know this one will be hard. But I don't mean that I need to sweat it out at the gym, everyday, for an hour. If it only means I take a walk during my lunch hour, or do 10 minutes of stretching before starting my day, then I hope to incorporate more fitness in my life. Having Caroline around makes working out hard, and often she prevents me from really exercising as much as I'd like. But I need to start fitting something into my day more often. Exercise makes me think more clearly. And if I'm exercising more, I think eating better will be easier. And just because I say "I want to workout more", that does not mean I want to lose weight. I am just fine with my current weight (mom), it only means that I feel like moving more is better for my body and my soul.
I also need to read more. Right now I "veg" in front of the TV. After a long day when I need to unplug, I am too apt to turn on the TV. I would like to read more. More books, more magazines, more blogs. Just more. I was an English major in college, and even after undergrad, I kept up my love of reading, inhaling books left and right. I can't tell you the last time I started - and finished! - a book.
So that's where I stand. Do you believe in resolutions? What do you have on your "to do" list this year? Or do you have any advice for sticking to these resolutions?
2 comments:
I find Paleo to be the flavor of the month (kinda like the modern day Atkins). A few of my friends have tried it and one of their biggest complaints is that it's super expensive to achieve properly -- you are constantly buying tons and tons of produce which gets really pricey. And that you're never really full cause you're cutting out the carbolicious stuff. I've never tried it but I've found people are super amped (and annoying) the first week and cataloging all their meals on Facebook and then a week later they're on radio silence (presumed failure). Although if anyone were to pull it off, with your meal planning I'd say you are in the best position to.
Would a Kindle get you to read more? It's a fun toy and you can get tons of cheap/free content from Amazon. Plus they are pretty affordable -- the one with special offers (which is only the screensaver- not like you get ads during your reading) is $80! Also much easier to read on than an iPad. Might be worth trying out?
Happy New Year!
I was an English major too, Shannon! Luckily I still have time to read (and I guess I make time for it too, maybe turning off the tv early and reading in bed for as long as I can before I konk out). But I get sucked into novels and then my New Yorkers pile up and I feel bad. I try to bring them to work and read during lunch. I admire all your goals and am feeling much the same. I think it all starts with exercise--I know if I do that, then the eating better and relaxing somehow seem to fall into place. Good luck with your goals!!
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