Whatshot
Through My Eyes
Through My Eyes
Date: 2014-12-26
Some say resolutions are made to be broken. Still, in my world, a fresh new calendar is enough inspiration for a few life do-overs. I, along with other resolution-makers, believe with all our hearts that in this next year we will live healthier, fuller lives
There are things like learning a new skill. Traveling to the most remote corners of the globe, starting a saving account for your child or just taking an hour off each day to be still.
Recently I spoke to my friends about what they want to highlight as their number one New Years resolution. While most spoke of starting an exercising and weight loss program, one friend plans to give up sugar and commit to exercising every day for the next 365 days - good luck my ambitious sweet pea.
My friend James' New Year's resolution is to live in the moment. When I asked how he plans to do that, he said that he has not figured it out yet, but he will figure it out on his next Buddhist retreat outing.
Another friend plans to quit her boring job as a PA and conquer mount Kilimanjaro. This is on top of her list but she has not completely decided on the timing.
While travelling is on most of my friend's lists, Tony wants to get to Cuba before the American's take over. Ah Tony, this is one New Year's resolution that really appeals to me.
Another friend plans to save every pennyno more stopping at the quick shop for junk food for Lisa; she is bent on saving to visit her sister in Australia.
My friend Dianne wants to improve her relationship with God and plans on weekly visits to her church. She is fed up about feeling guilty over her children not having any spiritual direction, so she has decided to set a good example to her two toddlers.
Sammy promises to go back to her natural roots and will not be dying her hair in 2015. Her plan is to go natural and at forty-four she has a great challenge on her hands. Good luck Sammydon't come crying to me in February when you're having your normal bad hair day.
Personally, my New Year's resolution is to reduce the stress in my life. As you know it is the number one killer in the world and causes all kinds of havoc with everything we attempt doing. I also plan to disconnect from my work email on weekends.
Stress is a predator and I'd rather not let it sweep me away too soon, so I promise to manage it better. Arecent studypublished in the journal Annals of Behavioural Medicine showed howpeople who don't handle stress well are more prone to heart diseaseand death. Since I'm one of them, I intend to get serious about stress management.
I'm going to shelve my problems at least one day a week and just not think about them. It's called "thought-stopping." You snap a rubber band on your wrist if you find yourself drifting off the not-going-to-worry-today course. The funny thing about many problems is that they often resolve themselves without our intervention. On a practical level: I will not respond to every email the second it lands in my inbox. I will no longer allow intrusions to my family time. I will write a little more joy into my program.
And lastly, we like the advice from one very wise and beautiful soul mate, who told me that having no resolutions means having no resolutions to break.
Happy New Year everybody and see you on the other side of 2015.