January 10, 2018

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?










27 comments:

  1. I totally agree! Thank you for saying it so well.

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  2. I love this post. LOVE! I was thinking the same thing this year. What makes January different from the rest other than the pressure od the world standards that this is thatb"fresh" beginning. When in reality it is not. I had a hard time doing goals, and all that this year BUT forced myself.

    You have given me freedom look at this differently and enjoy my already greay life.

    Not to say I will not set goals but I will approach it different.

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  3. Yep, those new planners won't do the work for us, will they?

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  4. So true my friend! I did make one resolution, but I was already working on it for a while before the New Year. It is to be better at taking care to be frugal and not waste the resources that God has in trusted me with. (But I've been working on that for about 6 months or so.) I do feel like this new year is a fresh slate, though most of the time I don't feel this way. I feel the same about not trying to create habits that we just don't keep. Then you just end up feeling like you failed at something. I truly feel that your life will take shape in God's time, not in our own. I find if there is an area of my life that needs work, I pray about it, and when the time is right God will help me to improve that area. I hope you have a blessed week. Hugs to you. Juli

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  5. I agree with you, and I suspect this is why New Year's resolutions have the reputation for people being committed to them for only a week or two.

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  6. I am with you. I am 42 and have never made a New Years resolution. In fact, I never set goals either and yet my life has turned out okay (gasp!).

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  7. Agreed! They never work anyway! And besides, it sounds to me like you are already living your best life. I wouldn't change a thing if I were you!

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  8. You are the best! You know who you are, you own it and you make no apologies. To me that sounds like perfection.

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  9. Yep, agree, smiles. Hope you have a beautiful day friend.

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  10. I used to try and make these big goals on my finances and I always failed. Now I just try to be reasonable and see where it takes me. I am a night owl and I also love dessert and sweets, but I also love structured exercise, must be the retired dancer in me.

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  11. I love your perspective!! And yay for new planners. :)

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  12. I like to think of making goals instead of resolutions. Unless my resolution is to do my best and to be kind to myself. Being kind to others is easy. Being kind to myself is much harder work.

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  13. I'm not a resolution gal, either! You are enough, just like you are! ♥

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  14. Yes!! Exactly!! Why does no one seem to get it when I say I don't do resolutions?? I'm glad you do.

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  15. Well said! Truth be told, every time I set a resolution I feel pressure and ultimate disappointment when, three weeks in, I'm back to my old habits. I much rather set loose "intentions' for myself. It is what it is and I'm ok with that! ♥♥♥

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  16. Hi Billie Jo!

    I completely agree with you . . . every single word! I don't make resolutions, I sometimes set goals, but I do that any time of year. I think we should just keep on living, loving and enjoying our life. If there are changes that need to be made, why wait until January!!

    Great post, dear friend!

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

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  17. I'm with you. I think resolution-setting sets up up all right. To fail haha! I'm all for working on areas of my life that need improvement but I too find I'm better off just working on what needs to be worked on at my own pace!

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  18. yes, so so true. Why do people do that every single year? Do they forget that by January 15th it's all over. Can't we just decide to do today the best we can? To love more. To be more present. To enjoy more? I'm with you Billie Jo! Life it too short for all that dumb added pressure. That's why I love it here on this blog so much! You tell the truth.

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  19. I am so the very same; good to know someone else doesnt make new years resolutions! Just be ourselves - good or bad.

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  20. I think you're thinking right my dear!

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  21. I agree. I've never been one to make New Years Resolutions. I just keep trying to live the best I can, whether it's January or July. :) Happy New Year!

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  22. I do not make resolutions either, In my planner I set goals, and if I don't finish them then it is okay, no guilt! I believe everyday is a gift from God, and we should live it to the fullest,not pressuring ourselves to be or do this! Thanks for sharing. Blessings,
    Sue

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  23. Good for you! I haven't made a resolution since- well I cant remember when but it must of been as child. I just leave it all in Gods hands and pray for him to guide my steps and do his will. Thanks for sharing Billie Jo

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo