The end of the year is approaching, so you know the drill... it's time to start thinking of your New Years Resolution(s)! You know, those things you commit to with a vengeance for a week (if you're lucky) and then promptly dismiss for the next 51. At least, that was my experience with resolutions. Until this year. |
I know what you're thinking-- this is no small task.
And so, I decided to make a simple goal. I decided that in 2014, I would focus my life around one concept: sincerity.
I wanted to live a life that was true to me. I wanted to learn to think, act and react in a way that oozed kindness and truth. I wanted to focus my time on things that mattered to me-- rather than doing what was expected or would make others happy. In short, I wanted to feel good about the life I was creating each day-- the average person only has about 28,000 days to live, after all.
You know what happened, through this crazy resolution experiment of mine?
It worked.
Through the past year, I have been happy-- daily-- regardless of work, health setbacks, and emotional or financial stresses.
I have found small ways to contribute to the world in a positive way. From sending random notes of appreciation to friends and family-- to making an effort to set aside time to call my closest friends on a regular basis-- to leaving anonymous uplifting notes for strangers each morning-- just thinking about these things has sustained my positive outlook each day.
I have made smarter choices when it comes to my body. From starting each day with warm lemon water to bringing fruit to work for mid-day snacks to cutting back on red meat, I have learned to recognize the way small changes can have a big impact on my attitude.
I have been motivated to workout daily-- as I have seen myself progress, I have even grown to enjoy this time I spend making my body strong, energized and healthy. (Elizabeth Gilbert recently wrote an amazing aside about this very experience!)
I have turned off the TV and the 21st Century pressure telling me to tweet, Facebook and Instagram every second of my life. Instead, I have made an effort to LIVE life... without constantly checking emails, texts or social media. I have made a conscious effort to appreciate the people I am with-- while I am with them.
I have learned to be-- as everyone seems to be fearful of being categorized-- basic. I have cut back on possessions. Everything around us-- except the relationships we form and the legacy we leave behind-- is temporary. Coming to terms with this has allowed me to let go of so much clutter in my mind-- and focus on the contribution I am making to the world-- to the lives of the people I interact with-- each day.
You know what I realized through this year of non-New Years Resolutions? I accomplished so much more!
Is your resolution usually to get more sleep? To eat healthier? To exercise more? To make more time for loved ones? To complain less? Be more charitable?
These things are all ATTAINABLE! But, over the past year, I have come to believe that these things are part of a bigger-- and far more critical-- resolution. They each require a commitment to a more sincere life. They each require a conscious thought during each moment of each day-- is this thing I'm about to say or do or THINK in line with the person I am?
What a fun year this challenge has created!
Now, COME ON, DISH! What is your experience with New Years Resolutions? Will you make one this year? Or will you join me in my quest to kick the old New Years Resolution once and for all? I'd love to hear from you!