Realistic Resolutions

by Deborah English — December 31, 2007

Unless you are planning to take some sort of miraculous mental Quantum Leap on New Years Eve, you had better start thinking about realistic goals for your New Year's Resolutions. Until about 5 years ago, I somehow expected that I would wake up on the 1st of January feeling like a changed woman--optimistic, full of confidence, and ready to take on the world. Meanwhile, back in the world of reality, the first day of the year was much different. What it used to look like is this: By the time I finally opened my eyes about half of the first day of my wonderful new life had already disappeared. And I'd be all smudged mascara, birds nest hair, mouth like an astray, as thirsty as Sheol. The craving for a meaty egg burger with a side of giant fries was always a bit of a gamble too - would it make me feel better or would it make me heave? I hate to admit it, but often the New Year began with a hair-of-the-dog-make-it-a-double-please Bloody Mary - "those New Years Resolutions would just have to wait until next year now, wouldn't they!" January 1: down the drain. Talk about squashing all confidence of achieving a productive and healthy year within the first few moments of waking.

These days, I wake feeling refreshed and full of optimism that I will achieve something during the following year. What I have discovered is that my goals are now a continuous extension of what I have been working on the previous year(s). As one goal is accomplished, the next goal opportunity opens up.

This is my ever-evolving New Year's resolution: Continue to be conscious of and support my physical and mental health and wellbeing; encourage greater honesty -- thus intimacy and love, in all of my relationships; continue reaching out to find ways to have a satisfying and meaningful career that will help myself and others to expand, see the world for what it is, and embrace its reality; and strengthen my commitment to help the eco-systems of the world into a state of regeneration and health.

I wish YOU success in all of your endeavors. Happy New Year!