I am getting a sense that New Year's Resolutions are out of fashion, too cliche and ridiculed for lack of follow-through. But I'm going to set them regardless, because if I don't I excuse myself from making any effort at all. And as Victor Frankl says
"Life can be pulled by goals just as surely as it can be pushed my drives."
So, without further ado my resolutions.
1- Give up sugar for one month, beginning today.
- Having become somewhat familiar with addiction, I've seen all the signs in my own compulsive behaviors toward chocolate, baked goods and candy. Signs such as but not limited to
* Eating it with reckless abandon.
* It's never too early in the morning for it.
* Endless justifications
* Eating sugar whenever I [watch tv, work on my computer, drive in the car]
* Eating it to cope with emotions
The difference here being, that I don't intend to live a life of sugar sobriety, just a month, to help me break habits, gain a new perspective/appreciation for it in small quantities, and practice self-control all while finding better ways to cope with emotions.
2- Read two books each month.
- This is a stretch. I love to read but have given up my reading time to Pinterest, Facebook, and blogs. I'm excited to get sucked back into a good book, something that will challenge my gradually diminishing attention span.
3- Finish my 12-step program.
- I've been on Step 7 for months. This means reading the steps, studying and pondering them, writing about them, and trying to apply them into my life.
4- Not say critical things about my family.
- Except to Pete. One step at a time.
5- Once a week spend meaningful one-on-one time with one of my children.
Even though all the old sayings about the new year seem cliche, and even though I know that self-improvement should really be something I focus on all year, I really can't help but feel new hope at the beginning of each year. Tennyson said it best
"Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering 'it will be happier...'"
I like that you set your goals! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI read this while shoving candy into my mouth with reckless abandon... Oops! :)
ReplyDeleteI love these goals! You're so great. You'll have to keep us updated on your progress. I really want to know how the sugarless month goes! I'm too chicken to try it (just yet).
ReplyDeleteThese seem achievable. But be nice to Pete, too! Ha, ha. I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love goals. I love the new year. And I don't care if none of it lasts - I think a temporary moment of good is better than none at all because you know it won't last. I'm still clinging to the goodness of the past few months, becuase (like you said) it sustains us through the hard times. Go you!
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