Resolutions are actually confessions. Confessions about the deficiencies we see in our lives. And once a year, we are given a symbolic clean slate to air this confessions and try to fix the things we see wrong with our lives.
I actually kept a resolution all year 5 years ago. I resolved to loose weight and be healthier. Making that resolution confessed to the world that I knew I had lost control and that I was not the person I wanted to be. I lost 40 lbs. and I improved my health and my energy level. It was incredibly empowering.
Over time, I have gained back half of that and I am not too proud to confess that eating right and exercise have not been a priority for me for a while. And when it's not a priority for me, it's not a priority for my family. Not that we eat crap - I cook a lot and am very aware of the ingredients I use. But I like cheese and pasta and potatoes and everyone in the family, except for Finn, does too. So when I decide to make fried pretzel crusted chicken tenders with cheddar mustard sauce and baked potato wedges - no one objects (not even Finn - the tenders are one of his favorites).
We also eat out a lot more than we should. I use the excuse that we're busy, but it's just that - an excuse. If I did better with planning, it would be possible to eat a home cooked, healthy meal almost every night.
So this year, I again make the confession that I am not healthy and I confess that my lack of focus on that part of my life effects my family. So I resolve to work out and watch what we eat and set a better example for my kids and act as a support for my husband in his own effort to get healthier.
I also confess to being a TV addict. I downloaded 3 books when I had my surgery in October and I didn't read any of them. I watched old horror movies with my Mom and Hallmark Christmas movies when I got home. I have to watch TV to fall asleep at night. I need to feed my brain and not my eyes. So I resolve to read before bed and try and turn the boob tube off sometimes. It's better for all of us.
I'm sure there are other things I should be working on, but right now, these two seem to be a good start to making steps to improve the lives of everyone in my house.
Happy New Year everyone - let's all make 2018 a year of accomplishment and fufillment!
