Resolution or Recommitment
New Year's Resolutions are trendy. At least this is my opinion.
Once the clocks rolls over to January 1st and the celebration dies down...the resolutions are set. Many resolutions are centered around health, and in the early weeks of January there is usually an influx of New Year's Resolution-ers at gyms and yoga studios.
But as it often happens every year, by springtime only the previously regular students are still showing up. Very few of the fitness resolution-makers stick to their initial goals set on New Year's Day.
The holiday season is filled with opportunities to over-indulge in all sorts of ways. I over-indulged just like everyone else...too many cookies, late nights, and that extra glass of wine here and there (yes, some yoga teachers enjoy the occassional glass of vino). Plus, I did not make adequate time to journal/blog, read, meditate, or even enjoy regular physical activity (both my running and my personal yoga practice waned in the last couple weeks of December). As my healthy routine took a hit, I found myself getting more tense than I'd like to admit. And more tension equals less happiness.
So, it makes sense that many people want to overcome the previous year's misgivings, which are only heightened by the holiday season. Enter the resolutions.
But I have stopped making New Year's Resolutions. I realize I am not immune to the resolution-making-then-breaking syndrome. So instead, of an "I will" or "I must" list detailing things I'll most likely let slip in a couple of months, I'm simply recommitting to being my best self. Sound cheesy? I agree, yes, it does. Sound the same as a resolution? Negative.
This is what it is for me: a simple and honest commitment to doing things that make me happy. Unlike a black-and-white resolution, this allows me freedom to create and appreciate great moments.
I know deep-down the daily activities my mind and body need to feel balanced, and I commit to making efforts to attain them. But (and I think this is most important part), if I have an "off" day, I commit to practicing instant forgiveness - to NOT beating myself up, as it is not about checking an item off of a list, rather it's about filling my time with positive moments.
So, on any given day, my new year's commitment could translate to (and here are just a few examples):
- a deep meditation,
- a sweaty power yoga practice,
- a laugh-out-loud moment with my family,
- a chat with a good friend,
- a long run,
- journaling,
- or even, a good glass of wine.
Today, I managed to squeeze in 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7. In other words,...aaahhhh, life is good.