Seasonal Resolutions

I caught myself staring out the window thinking over this past year.  The address may be the same, but where I’m standing is a much different place than I was in 12 months ago. Some doors have closed as others have opened. One leap of faith has led to another and yet another. I still may be free falling but I’m not stagnant or doubting my direction.

The biggest challenge and change has been trying to assimilate an Eckhardt Tolle approach to life by being fully present in the moment. My life has previously revolved around the vacation schedule of the public school calendar. Counting the days to freedom and release to just be.

With the new year a few days away, thoughts turn to endings, new beginnings, and potential resolutions. During the Solstice, it came to me that it makes more sense to make seasonal resolutions rather than projections for a full year ahead.  The energies of winter are to hibernate, retreat, rest, restore. What resolutions would embrace those energies and foster self care and growth?

According to www.statisticbrain.com, the top New Year’s resolutions for this past year were:

I could shoot for 8 out of 10 on that list and over the years I’ve at least scratched the surface of all of them.  Number 7 is checked off as I quit smoking in 2003. The following mini Ted Talk gives a quick fun rundown on New Year’s resolutions and how to increase the odds of success: http://ed.ted.com/on/cu5iwky6

Daniel Horgan, Huffington Post, suggests prioritizing three goals. His advice is to stop one habit that holds us back, start doing something we’ve talked about but haven’t taken action on, and continue doing what we know works for us. Other strategies include: visualizing your wins, looking at potential for success rather than failure, and engage others for support and accountability.  Lastly, he encourages tracking and celebrating the milestones that are the markers to your goal.

I think the best resolutions or goals are those that empower you or remind you of how capable and strong you really can be.  For me there needs to be a why.  I have to get dead ass honest with myself and ask why I want to change a habit or release a crutch. It’s great to fit into the pants in the bottom drawer that are the epitome of health, wellness, and attractiveness but is the true reason for yourself or to impress someone else? There’s no right or wrong answer because the motivation is unique and specific to the individual but there does need to be a reason to stick it out.  Resolutions are also an excellent outlet for a good stubborn streak.  If you can find it in you to burrow in and not back down, you’ll be in those skinny pants before you know it.

Good Luck and Happy New Year!

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