Resolution, a noun, the name we give to the thing we have resolved to do.
Resolve indicates that we have made a decision with a firmness of purpose. Resolve sounds much stronger than resolution, because it expresses taking action, and yet, statistics suggests only 8% of the people who make resolutions end up keeping them. The word itself doesn’t matter so much as the goals we have set. Most of them are too ambitious, not unattainable, but rather unsustainable.
Shorter, reachable goals, set us up much better for long-term success.
I love what Carolyn Gregoire suggests in her article in the Huff Post where she proposes a reset rather than a resolution. “What’s the difference? While a resolution represents a firm decision to do or not do something, a reset is an opportunity to “set again,” or set your habits differently. With a reset, you commit to moderate, realistic goals and making small changes every day ― not just on Jan. 1. A reset also allows for flexibility as you progress and figure out what does and doesn’t work for you.” A reset helps us set doable goals, ones that we can keep and meet. (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/new-years-resolutions-psychology_us_5862d599e4b0d9a59459654c)
I personally do not make New Year’s resolutions.
Honestly, year’s end leaves me a bit melancholy. It is a reminder to me of how time passes swiftly.
At any rate, I do have some “r” words this January.
The first for me is RECOVERY.
Half way through December, THE FLU descended upon me. It was brutal! I had a fever for 6 days that would not be alleviated with meds, the pain was dreadful and the fatigue all-consuming. Ten days in I finally felt human again. I followed the flu with a residual sinus infection and nearly 6 weeks later, a cough is still my companion.
When I got sick, Christmas was still coming, and I had much to do. We had extended family, celebrations Christmas weekend, but, fortunately, the immediate family had already decided to celebrate a week late. All my plans to be ready early and have breathing space were long gone, however. I had lost 2+ weeks that I would never recover. So, to my word…RECOVERY. There would be absolutely no benefit to arguing with what was, so I gave myself permission (okay, I had to be firm and command myself) to give my body the time it needed for RECOVERY.
To my second word…REGROUP…
I was already heading toward some REGROUP-ing both business-wise and personally before January arrived. Now that flu fatigue and fog is dissipating, I am giving much thought to my action plan and setting it in motion. It feels good to assess where I am and where I really want to be in the next 5 years and to establish do-goals to get me there.
I am so into regrouping that I am going through every nook and cranny of my home and purging, cleaning and re-organizing. I guess you could say I am “regrouping” everything.
My last “r” word for the new year is RENEW.
Last year I wrote a series of blogs on the importance of finding places of retreat for renewing. (This one, among others http://youronebeautifullife.com/burning-for-retreat/ ) Our fast-paced world and often over-responsible, over-obligated personalities leave us on the edge of constant burnout. This, my friends, is not the way we should be living. So, I am committed to finding ways to build rest and revival into my life on a regular basis. (Now that is a lot more “r” words for sure!)
I want to live better, more beautifully, if you will. So, for my well-being in 2018 and the years to come, time to recover is essential. Regrouping is beneficial. Renewal is crucial.
What words would you choose to help you live your one beautiful life this year?