Resolution

res·o·lu·tion (rěz'ə-lōō'shən) Pronunciation Key n.
1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.
2. A resolving to do something.
3. A course of action determined or decided on.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth EditionCopyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Cite This Source



There were other definitions but I chose the top three because they fit the 'feel' of this particular blog. Every year you turn on the TV or the radio and you hear about all the people who have made their New Year's Resolutions. You are encouraged to make resolutions-to take control of your life, to become organized, to lose weight, to get a promotion at work...why do these goals have to be set only one day a year? Can today not be seen as a stepping stone to making your life healthier, happier or more complete?



I did not make resolutions. I did make some goals. I thought about some changes I need to make in my life that would make me a better person come this time next year (as long as I follow through with them). I think the timetable of life that was given to my dad makes me think about myself more, it just happened to be at the first of the year that this came about. If I should get this same prognosis from a Doctor at the age of 54, what do I want my life to have been about? What do I want to count in the end? What will be said of me at my funeral? I will be 54 in 20 years and I look at my husband and kids and I know that I want to be here a lot longer for them, because frankly, twenty years is just NOT enough time!



My goals for a happier, healthier me are:

build better relationships with the people I love
take time to develop my strengths and talents and put them to use
take time for each of my kids one-on-one
to try at least one new thing (hubby would be thrilled if I tried kayaking with him this summer)
to take a healthy action and turn it into a habit (8oz of water anyone?)
to read and study my Bible more
join at least one women's group for support and friendships



These are not goals that will only last until March, these are lifetime changes. Some of these things are related to my physical health and others are to my mental and emotional well-being. Some of these things will even make the people in my home, happier too.



I know that when I get dressed in the morning and complain about my clothes being too tight, that I could eat less during the day, drink more water (instead of pop), and get in a little walk or some activity. I also know that when my day is done, I just change into more comfortable clothes and hang out with the tv or computer. Tomorrow, I will be just as upset about the tight pants but what did I do to make it better? It isn't just about buying bigger clothes. It's about making a change.



I don't want to go kayaking...I don't think. I think I have valid reasons: scared of water, can't swim well, too fat, embarassed about my size (and being seen in wet clothes), what if I fall out and can't get back in, etc., and yet I can also see that it would be fun to be with my honey all day, floating down the river, passing scenery you don't get to see from the road, the thrill of just trying something new and being able to say "I DID IT!". It will be worth it and I don't want to wait until I'm skinny enough to look good...that day may not come.

Carpe Diem! I want to move forward with my life from today, not when I'm skinnier, healthier, richer...today.