New year, new you!!
Ah… if it was only that easy. New Year resolutions are a common way to set an intention and work toward it….at least for a while. My friend John once posted “I’m opening a gym called ‘Resolutions.’ It will have exercise equipment in it for the first two weeks and then it turns into a bar for the rest of the year.” It is funny because it rings true. Statistics vary, but most show that a very small percent actually fully achieve their goals and many quit trying within a month or two. I have often been among this group.
The worst
I have not consciously made resolutions every year, or I don’t remember them if I did. The one that I know I failed at miserably was to learn to DO A SPLIT. I very much wanted to add this to my dance repertoire. It never happened although I worked on it for several months. I got hints and tips from the web, from dance friends, gymnasts, and yogis. I eventually decided that my personal physiology just does not allow this.
The best
One resolution that I did achieve to some degree was to IMPROVE MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY SISTER. It was easier to feel successful because “improvement” is a relative quality. Even small gains felt like accomplishments. Our relationship did get better and it still continues to benefit from the seeds that were sown.
A close second
I learned from this small victory to keep my resolutions in the vaguely measurable category. Another year, my resolution was to DRINK MORE WATER. My lack of fluid intake is so obvious that I’ve been called everything from a camel to a desert flower. Drinking more water should be easy to do. Water is available just about everywhere—at home all the time, at drinking fountains in public places, for free in restaurants, snack bars, and food courts. “More” means just one more sip, slurp, or glass. And, with every single swallow I was (and am still) working toward that goal. Yay!
The latest
This year, because of the difficulty I’ve encountered driving at night, I have not been out dancing as much as I like and NEED. As an Extrovert (note the capital “E”), I thrive on social interaction. The local swing dances offer numerous opportunities to meet and hang with a diverse group of people—all ages and genders, many ethnicities, all walks of life. Plus, I am happiest when I am in motion! As soon as I complete my cataract surgery, I hope to…nope, make that resolve to…DANCE MORE!
And you?
Care to share? What resolutions did you make and how are you progressing?
accidental goddess 
Hello there! Said friend John here. 🙂 I loved this post. Regarding water, Bob drinks it all day long, and I have been trying to drink more. My problem is that I have to go to the bathroom so much when I start drinking a lot of water. I haven’t got time to be peeing all day. I think it’s the case that your body will adapt, but I never keep doing it long enough for that to happen I guess. Anyway, I’ll figure it out. Happy new year! xxoo
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John, you are one of the most avid readers I know and with all the gym time, social media posts, and quantifying you do, I am not surprised you cannot fit in more bathroom breaks. The frequent trips during the night that interrupt my sleep annoy me even more. Nevertheless, we need to keep trying. Happy hydrated new year to you and Bob!
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Every year my New Year’s Resoultion is not to make any resolutions. This way I am never disappointed and always reach.my goal. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE
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Well, for the most part, I agree…but I am still very glad I made the one to have a better relationship with my sister. 🙂
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To join the water discussion, in my ongoing struggle to conquer water, I mean, drink more water, I try to get the enormous, I mean, healthy amount of water, in my system before 5pm. Hopefully, opening the way to uninterrupted sleep.
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Maybe I should try to drink more water at dances, too!
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Today two people walked into the middle of my yoga class at different times at LA Fitness who were not there for yoga. My yoga teacher kindly asked them to come back afterwards. (There is even a sign on the door stating not to enter while class is in progress). Both of them were rude to her and the man even yelled.
Afterwards a lady walking out with me said that things would calm down after January when those kind of people gave up on their resolutions. Nearly the same thought entered my mind as they each berated the instructor. I thought “Boy those are some angry people who are only here for their resolutions.”
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Wow! Sounds like they need more than some gym time to help them. One of the things I like about teaching yoga on Zoom is that people can come in late or leave early without interrupting the class.
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