Resolutions, anyone?

Someone asked me recently if I make New Year's resolutions. They told me that years ago, their family loved making resolutions and holding each other accountable for them.

I gave up making resolutions some time ago. I think it was because I had the idea that resolutions meant giving up something (not my best thing), or doing something that was really hard (don't get me wrong, I'm all in for a challenge, just not if someone else imposes it), and most of all, the resolution was something society expected me to do (so not going to happen!). It was just a recipe for disaster all around.

I think it's good to change things up every once in a while. Make a new plan, but keep it simple and be sure you can accomplish your goals. Maybe make three goals, and make two of them exciting and fun while one requires a little more work. Then, when you've accomplished those three goals, maybe make three more. You don't have to run a marathon every time you want to grow. 

As to wondering about where the whole "New Year's Resolutions" came from? History.com has a great article that talks about the beginnings of the tradition with the Babylonians about 4000 years ago and how it changed with Julius Caesar and then John Wesley, who created the first Watch Nights in the Christian church. It's all very fascinating. Here's a link to the article if you're interested- https://www.history.com/news/the-history-of-new-years-resolutions.

This year, as I reflect on last year (a real doozy for me) and look forward to a new year, I wonder about resolutions. I know I won't be making any promises to go the gym every day or radically change my diet, but there are things I want to do to improve my quality of life. For example, I'm resolving to step out of my comfort zone once a month, try one new recipe each month, find one way every month to fulfill my goal of being a better ally, and drink enough water. I can do those four things, and I think they will make my life better and more interesting. Notice that I didn't elaborate on what stepping out of my comfort zone means, lol! 

Do you make resolutions? Do you stick with the traditional health and wellness promises? Do you scoff at the tradition? Ignore it all together? Go rogue and make plans for the year but make them about wild and extravagant hopes like a trip around the world or eating only things that start with the letter "r" the first weekend of every month? Inquiring minds want to know!

I would love to know what you're up to in the "resolutions" department or anything else you'd love to share with me. I look forward to another year of this journey together, and I'm so grateful you are all here with me.

Lots of love, and thanks as always for being part of this community,

Ellin (she/her)