Resolutions!

Wow, another year gone by. I gotta say, it was a good one. 2010 offered health, happiness, challenges, rewards and a reminder that "you just never know what might happen". Did I stick to my resolutions from this time last year? I dunno, I don't remember what they were, haha. Did you?

I actually like resolutions and the idea that we have a fresh start. However my bursts of motivation and dedication can happen anytime of the year, not exactly on January first.

This time last year I was driving across North America in a little Honda Civic relocating my good friend to Colorado. The Whole Foods in Boulder was giving out magnets that said "This is my year to..." with space left to fill in your goals and resolutions. I like this, you are reminded of your hopes and dreams every time you open the fridge! I think resolutions and goals are important, they make life interesting and challenging. However, I do think that we get stuck in a rut of the same ol' same ol' - lose weight, eat healthier, go to the gym - kinda resolutions.

Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.  ~Les Brown 

We can do better than that! Keep it simple if you need to - DRINK MORE WATER. Or shoot for the moon - RUN A MARATHON IN ANOTHER CITY. Think outside the box, consider further education, volunteering, starting a blog, travel. Write it down and put it on your fridge... remind yourself everyday that this is something you want to accomplish. Create resolutions based on positivity - "I will walk every night after dinner to keep my heart healthy". Resolutions tend to focus on what we don't like about ourselves or our lives. If losing some weight really is your goal, then pitch it as a positive change rather than making yourself feel bad for carrying a few extra pounds. Don't forget all the things you do like about yourself.

In fact, before you divulge your resolutions for 2011 here is a little exercise I think everyone should partake in.

1. Get a pen a paper

2. Write 3+ accomplishments you are proud of from 2010

3. Write 3+ things that you like about yourself (this is hard for some people, we rarely focus on what we like)

4. Now write down one or more resolutions for 2011 in one column

5. In the other column, write your ACTION plan to follow through with your new goals

Most importantly, be good to yourself and those you love. Remember to be thankful for the all the positive things in your life. This creates a perfect foundation for resolution and change.

To your health and happiness. 

Thanks for reading, Sarah

Don't say you don't have enough time.  You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.  ~Life's Little Instruction Book