Mountain Musings
By Mary Hasselwander
New beginnings! Of course, every day is a new beginning, but the start of a new year is a time when many of us take stock of where we are in life. What do we like about ourselves? What would we like to change? Do we really have to do something major just because the calendar says it is New Year’s Day?
The truth is, in my case, starting anything on New Year’s Day, has not been very successful. In the past, my tendency was to make a list of several things I would “change” beginning on January 1. At the top of that list each year, was my determined promise to “lose 50 pounds.” I’ll say no more about that!
In addition to the above, I listed other life-changing resolutions such as: making social appointments to keep in touch with friends, calling my family (who are back East) in a regular rotating schedule (I come from a family of 10), being more active in my local church, etc. Looking back now, I realize I was crazy to attempt even one of these “resolutions.” Our daily living evolves from years of experiences and thinking I could make such sweeping changes shows how naive I was.
It has taken me a while, but I’ve come to realize that trying to make small changes, gradually, instead of a grand gesture, improves the odds of succeeding. It was suggested to me, a few years back, that I pick activities that have a beginning and an ending. Something as simple as resolving to clean the attic closet before the end of the month, is a good way to start. It is a project that can be achieved. When that one is done, make a resolution to thoroughly clean out the car within the next two weeks.
As you successfully complete each of these small projects, the sense of accomplishment reinforces your confidence to try doing something that may be more difficult. Even if weight loss is a resolution you want to make for this year, do it in small increments. Instead of announcing that you are going to lose 50 pounds by summer, try committing to five pounds over the next six weeks, or taking a 15 minute walk three times a week. It is far less daunting.
Sometimes family resolutions are successful. Last year, my family vowed to cut electric use by turning off lights and gadgets (such as computers or the television) if we weren’t using them. Each month, we saw a little improvement in the bill and it was very satisfying.
If using the New Year ritual as a starting point for resolving to make changes works for you, go for it; but try small baby steps instead of giant steps. In fact, I think this will be my resolution for 2009!
