Why I Resolve To Not Resolve

Did I make a New Year's resolution this year? To quote Rhett, who quotes Simon Cowell, "It's a no from me." Committing myself to creating and maintaining a new, challenging habit at the end of a season filled with fun and food and relaxation...and food...is, for me, a set up for failure.

Yes, the new year is a fresh start...a blank page...a new beginning. But why? Because I get a brand new planner? Why is January first any different than March first...besides the fact I have to remember to write 2018 instead of 2017, which of course takes me a couple weeks to do? What I am trying to say is this: For me, resolutions are not necessary or particularly beneficial to my physical and emotional well-being. I find little to no benefit in putting an added pressure on myself to do something that prior to January first has not been a part of my daily life.

I could resolve to get up earlier every day. And I would. For a week or so, until my warm cozy sheets and our late night schedule catch up with me. I could resolve to eat a healthy breakfast everyday. And I would, until Peyton makes some delicious cinnamon rolls or turnovers. I could resolve to walk on my treadmill every morning. And I would. Maybe. Until the phone rings or I have to run Rhett to the orthodontist or the puppies to the vet.

I try to maintain a happy, healthy, consistent, prayerful outlook all throughout the year. I admit..I am not always completely successful. Some days I get up early. Other days, I sleep late. Most days I eat a bowl of healthy cereal with fresh fruit for breakfast. Sometimes, I eat pancakes with butter and syrup. My treadmill is covered in dust. But I walk my puppy down the road when the weather is nice. I eat dessert. I drink coffee. I like fresh fruit and salads. I strongly dislike structured exercise. I love to read. I pray everyday. I watch my cholesterol. I love to swing with my kids. I eat McDonald's french fries dipped in honey mustard. I stay up late. Most every night. That is just what I do.

So, this year, like every year before, I resolve to make no resolutions. I will simply live and breathe and do my best to be a happy, healthy wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. I will enjoy everything in moderation. And I will not pressure myself to be someone or something I'm not. That takes way too much effort, don't you think?