I Resolve To...

Or not.

Actually, what is a New Year's Resolution?

Well, Wikipedia has a pretty good description:

A New Year's resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western World but also found in the Eastern World, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life at the start of a new year. (Note 1)

I think everyone has, at some point, made a New Year's Resolution, but as far as I can tell, most fall by the wayside very quickly.

I can personally attest that the only one I have actually kept was a read the Bible in one year by the Bible Project. Doing that one again this year.

So, I went in search of at least the top 10 resolutions, which are: (Note 2)

1. Exercise more

2. Lose weight

3. Get organized

4. Learn a new skill or hobby

5. Live life to the fullest

6. Save more money / spend less money

7. Quit smoking

8. Spend more time with family and friends

9. Travel more

10. Read more

Well, lookie there! Read more. How about that. There is a resolution I don't even make but, manage to keep every year.

Per the same source cited in Note 2, it quotes an amazing 46% success rate among those who make resolutions.

Do you doubt that as much as I do?

If you are in the category of those who make resolutions, Note 2 has some helpful tips for being successful with them. Check it out!

For myself, I have been on a quest to start entrenching a new, more positive thought process in my mind and heart for a couple of years now.

I am not talking about making a resolution or resolutions.

I am talking about remapping my thought processes and reactions. In making changes to how I think from the moment I awaken until the moment I shut down the brain for the day.

Basically, instead of seeing the glass half empty, I will see it as half full as I am on the way to the fridge to refill it.

I don't know if any other soul on the face of the planet can see any difference from this, but Howdy Doody, I can!

For example, I rarely even have to give conscious thought now when I find myself talking to someone at work, which means I am probably being screamed at, yet will find something so positive to say in response that, it gets so quiet on the other end of the line.

Never would have believed it possible.

But, seeing/hearing it in action is all the proof and motivation I need to keep going with this self-improvement technique.

I consciously look for ways in each moment to celebrate, to laugh, to smile, to compliment...well, you get the idea. Right?

There are just too many things to laugh about, to smile at, to share with those around us to waste a single opportunity.

Why even our feathered friends are capable of smiling. Here's your proof!

Has what I shared many any sense at all?

It is working so well for me, though I would prefer a much quicker change, that I keep trying to share what I find works.

But, not everyone is like me. Not everyone thinks like me. And that is a wonderful thing for us all!

Still, if something is working, wouldn't you want to share it with those around you?

If you could soar a little higher, run a little faster, laugh more frequently, get up and dance through the house with or without music, well then, why not?

Instead of fighting the waves, be like the birds and just soar above them while using the drafts those waves create to lift you higher!

Or, if the waters are too rough to navigate, just settle in place until the storm passes and then, continue on your way.

Trust me when I say that I ain't no genius!!

Still, I am smart enough to know when or if something is making a difference.

And, I finally think I am strong enough to recognize a change that needs to become permanent.

If this helps even one, single soul, then I thank you for reading.

If it doesn't, I can only recommend NOT giving up and finding another path.

While we spend some time pondering this topic this week, I want to take just a moment to wish each and everyone of you a spectacular and happy New Year!

I firmly and truly believe this year is going to be more normal and far better than the last two years have been.

So, keep your eyes up, your smile on, and laugh!! We'll all get through it together.