While we once again reach another year, many of us turn to
self-imposed restrictions called “resolutions.”
These well-meaning efforts can involve a wide array of
‘punishments’ we believe will improve our lives for many years to come.
Resolutions often take the forms of losing weight, quitting
smoking, and exercising more. My
personal past year’s resolutions didn’t make it beyond January 3rd
which likely means my resolution should be to pay attention more.
Gyms will soon be filled with well-intentioned resolutioners
who will ride the exercycle for about ten-minutes, and the streets will be
crowded with short-term joggers for about a week.
Some will give up adult beverages for a couple of days until
the next football game when the beer will flow freely, again.
It won’t be long before the resolutions fade from our
memories and those high calorie meals return to the dinner tables.
Those treadmills will work as a clothes rack and it won’t be
long before we hop back into our SUVs for that short trip to the grocery store
or restaurant.
It won’t be a concerted thought that makes us realize those
resolutions are not all their cracked up to be but, rather they will be brief
times of weakness or moments of socialization that cause us to break our train
of thought to being healthier. You see,
‘healthy and happy’ don’t always belong in the same sentence.
Promising oneself that an extra day of golf is a good
resolution doesn’t seem as punitive as cutting out a candy bar, any more than
holding to that additional fishing excursion you promised yourself.
A genuine resolution should be for self-improvement. Maybe those golf and fishing activities
aren’t such a bad idea after all.
In any case, pick something to focus upon that will be a
positive.
I already forgot what my New Year resolution was. Then again, there’s always next year.
Regardless, Happy New Year!
