Resolutions

Some things in life don't matter. That's quite obvious. The fact that your hair isn't perfect or you are a little overweight does not define who you are. I lived a relatively healthy lifestyle and I found out I had Multiple Sclerosis. Things happen and what matters is how we respond. There is no way of getting around it. You have to live your life and not let what happens stop you from doing so. 

The same goes for the New Year. People make these resolutions that are completely senseless. I've heard so many people say "my resolution is going to be to lose weight". That's nice. Why do you need a new year to make these changes that affect your health? I've never really understood it. Can't people make amazing, life-inspiring resolutions? Yes. Yes they can. They just choose not to, because it takes effort and that's not on their to-do list this year. 

When new year's arrive I think it better to look back on the previous year and see what didn't work and resolve to make those things change in the upcoming year. Don't make the same empty promises year after year. If you're going to lose weight, a new year will not make that happen. Resolve to make changes that can help the long-term goal. Ones that will be a part of your life for the rest of your life. Not just a fleeting moment of skinniness (I'm not quite sure that's a word, but I'm going to use it). 

One of my favorite quotes ever is from, my hero, Eleanor Roosevelt and it should apply to each and every person alive. 

 "Your ambition should be to get as much life out of living as you possibly can, as much enjoyment, as much interest, as much experience, as much understanding. Not simply be what is generally called a "success."

Never have such truer words been spoken.  Making empty resolutions is not an option. Resolution is defined as a decision to do something.  A decision that is so strongly decided that there is no doubt. When I read Eleanor's quotes, and I read them often, I feel the need to do something greater. I don't make resolutions to lose weight or save money. I make resolutions that involve sky diving or writing part of my book. I'm not doing things to impress others, I'm doing things that will leave an impression upon my sons someday. 

Resolve to live life. Do things that will be remembered. When you are older and telling your grandchildren stories, they will not want to hear about the diet you did in 2015. They want to hear about adventures, changes that can be passed down and traditions that can shared. 

For Pete's sake, get in the car and take a road trip instead of tending to your garden one day and if you can't do it alone drag a friend out of their garden and take them with you. Make it a goal to visit all of the nature reserves in the state. Take a cooking class. Find something you've always wished you could do and learn as much as you can about it or take a class so that you can say you know how to do that task finally.  

Make a list, like a bucket list, and make it your goal to mark things off of that list. Place it on your refrigerator or somewhere where you will always see it. Don't be a slacker or procrastinator. Do what Eleanor suggest and live life to the fullest. 

We are not guaranteed forever, so stop living like you are. You will look back and see missed opportunities. Don't let those opportunites be so great that you have regrets. Making empty New Year's resolutions is not acceptable. Just decide that you will do one amazing thing and don't stop until you've accompished it. The feeling you get will be so wonderful, you'll want to set new goals. Don't ever stop acheiving those resolutions. 

I wish you all the Happiest New Year and I hope you have amazing accomplishments. I'd love to hear what your resolutions and goals this year will be. Stop by Woman in the Man Cave on Facebook and let me know what you'll be doing. Take care!