December 31, 2016

Resolutions...And Why I Avoid Them

Just like that, it is January. The time of year when many people resolve to do things differently. I am not one of those people. Through the years, I have learned that making resolutions does not work for me. That is not to say it doesn't work for others. For me, however, making resolutions to stop eating sweets or to start exercising everyday is setting myself up for failure. And that is not awesome.

I could make a resolution to exercise more.

And I would start and do it for a few days, maybe even a week.
But honestly, I just don't enjoy it.
And that means I won't do it.
Period.

I much prefer to spend my free time cozy in a chair reading a good book.
That...I will do.
So maybe I don't resolve to exercise every single day.
Maybe I will make an effort to walk down the road on a nice day with Flynn instead.
Or play a game of basketball with Peyton and Rhett.


I am not making a resolution to completely revamp my eating habits.
I know from experience that doesn't work for me long term.
I like food too much.
Truth.

What I can do is be mindful of the choices I am making each day.
 If I am having pizza for dinner, maybe I could choose something a bit healthier for lunch, right?

But giving up desserts?
Not likely. : )

Lastly, I cannot resolve to stop worrying.
My anxiety is a part of who I am.

I can continue utilizing the mindfulness meditation and prayers that enable me to put things in perspective.
And lean on my loved ones when I need a helping hand.

So, my friends, that is how I deal with the pressure of making New Years Resolutions.
I don't.
I am mindful of who I am and what I can and will accomplish.
This year, I will continue to be me.
 And strive to be a happy, healthy, content, prayerful, mindful, thankful me.

Happy New Year to each one of you, my friends.












21 comments:

  1. I do not make resolutions either and never have. Starting the year off by failing is not something I find appealing :). I hate job evaluations for the same reasons, when asked where I see myself 5 years from now I am like "well...hopefully alive and still doing this job". True story.

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  2. Love this! Same, same, same -- resolutions don't work for me either -- but living mindfully and joyfully - that's what I try to do. Happy New Year sweetie!

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  3. I think that is a healthy way to approach it my friend.

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  4. I love this post! Great perspective. I am a worrier too, so I really need to get a handle on my anxiety, so you have given me something to think about. Happy New Year to you and your family. (P.S. Josh was looking over my shoulder as I was reading blogs the other day and he was SO disappointed to hear that Madison has a boyfriend and that you live in Pennsylvania. He was smitten with your beautiful daughter;-)

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  5. YES! To all of this. My "goal" for 2017 is to live with purpose. That's it. Resolutions are the worst! Happy New Year!

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  6. Sounds very sensible to me. A good resolution ~ not to make a resolution!
    Have a Happy New Year.

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  7. I am not a resolution maker either! It doesn't work for me. For some of us, it sets us up for failure. Very nice post Billie Jo! Happy New Year to you and your family! ♥

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  8. No resolutions here either...Happy New Year Billie Jo...

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  9. You and I are so much alike I can't get over it sometimes. I hope you have a very Happy New Years! God bless and Hugs. Juli

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  10. I'm loving this post because it pretty much sums up my thoughts! :) Love your graphics too! Did you make them? Here's to a wonderful 2017 where resolutions aren't made or broken, but life continues to be an ebb and flow of trying to learn how to know, love and serve God better and better and more intimately each day! Happy New Year!

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    1. Hi! No...it's my Bitmoji...
      Just a fun app!
      You can make one of yourself!
      Happy New Year!

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  11. Ditto for me too! Too much pressure. I just try to be the best I can be. Happy New Year to you, friend! I'm grateful for another year of our friendship! Happy 2017! xoxo

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  12. I always say I don't but I do have goals in my mind. In reality they are resolutions and in have a hard time following though. I needed to read this. I am encouraged to just be. Thanks.

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  13. I love it Billie Jo! I think it's wonderful that you know yourself so well and are just true to the person you are. I'm sending you many wishes for a wonderful 2017 filled with many blessings dear Friend.
    xoxo

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  14. Thank you. Seriously, thank you. I could not be in greater agreement. I pray health and happiness for you, yours, me and mine.

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  15. Thank you. Seriously, thank you. I could not be in greater agreement. I pray health and happiness for you, yours, me and mine.

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  16. I think that's wonderful. Truly. That's what is so great about getting older. You get wise. You know yourself and what works. Sounds like you have it all figured out. Catch a high-five!
    Happy New Year.

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  17. I love that you know yourself so well. Wishing you a wonderful 2017 for you and your family.

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo