A New Year- A New You

There is something to be said for starting over, making resolutions and a feeling of hope and optimism. The clean slate. Renewal. Many of us do it every year. Big hopes that this year we will make those changes and lose the weight, get organized or write that novel. Its human nature, I think.

There is a little bakery a few minutes from my house. They close every year the first two weeks of January. They say business falls off right after the holidays, what with everyone making New Year’s resolutions. When they reopen the third week of January, business pretty much goes back to normal. There is a lesson in there somewhere.

So is the answer to not make resolutions? I don’t think its that simple. I think any day can be the day that change happens. Its more about planning and realistic goals and a support system than just making a long, often unrealistic, list of goals.

Maybe its more about incremental changes. Smaller, doable goals. And sharing the journey with a friend. A buddy system to keep you both on track. I used to go swimming every morning before work. Those who know me know that I am not a morning person. But a friend had access to an indoor pool. It was so cool to be swimming in a warm pool with snow outside. And I love swimming. No one was there most mornings so we had the place to ourselves. I felt wonderful. But on days when I wanted to sleep in, the fact that my 2 friends were going, got me out of bed. We all encouraged each other on different days.

So what do we do? Maybe start with an honest internal conversation. If we can’t be honest with ourselves, how likely are we to succeed? Writing stuff down helps me, but I have always been a list maker. Journaling helps a few of my friends. Might work for you. Somehow writing things down makes them more real and helps me to focus.

Don’t do it alone. Look to friends or family for support. Consider using the buddy system. Find a professional, if needed. Reading the right book might be what helps you. The better the planning, the better the odds.

Be prepared to have set backs and bad days. Get back up on the horse. This is my weak spot. I get frustrated if I have a bad day and I give up. That is where the buddy system can help. Don’t beat yourself up too badly if you don’t succeed at first. We learn from our failures and our successes. Having a friend can really help.

So here’s to a good year ahead and to everyone I love having a good year, a better year. And if you don’t have some amazing new accomplishments, may you at least make some changes, some positive steps towards your goals. I’m still going to love you, either way. Love you bunches.