Patch Blog: Already Breaking New Year's Resolutions

Every year when the New Year arrives, we find ourselves face to face with
our annual resolutions. 

Here is a list of what people usually resolve to do for themselves, 1) Drink less; 2) Eat healthy food; 3) Get better education; 4) Get better job or better yet, find a job; 5) Get fit; 6) Lose weight; 7) Manage debt; 8) Manage stress; 9) Quit smoking; 10) Reduce, Reuse and Recycle; 11) Save Money; 12) Take a trip. 12) Volunteer to help others.

My number one resolution that I’ve had for at least 31 years, is the dreaded lose weight.  I’m a frickin’ yoyo.  I start by exercising- hell last year I even joined a gym. But by February I stop going to the gym and find every excuse not to go. I must say I have been good this year and have tried to incorporate exercise on a weekly (can’t say daily) basis. I like walking personally and bicycling as long as there are no hills. Good luck with that one.

Why do I torture myself this way? I’m addicted to yoga, so on that part I’m doing okay. By March or April, when it starts to warm up, I get upset at myself for not upholding my resolution and start all over. It’s a never-ending battle of the bulge. Getting fit I feel falls under the same category as losing weight. It goes hand in hand.

The other resolution is to drink less. Much less.  Well let’s not go crazy, but less. This is a very hard one too because virtually all my friends drink. They don’t over drink, but we all do it. I know if I drink less I can lose the weight. It’s a vicious cycle. I had just better stay home and not go out because it always ends up in a drink or two or three and food. Wah! These are a few of my favorite things…..

I know for a family member, their resolution is to quit smoking. I see how hard this person struggles. He’s tried the Nicorette Gum, and it works for a while, but then he starts smoking again. It’s hard to quit smoking when all your friends are doing it. So I implore the few who read my blog, just don’t start smoking at all. It’s not worth the fight. My mother-in-law is on an oxygen tank for the rest of her life because of her smoking in her earlier years.

Last year was the first year that I actually stuck to a New Year’s resolution and it was to volunteer to help others. It is one of the most fulfilling personal resolutions that has actually lasted into this year. I hope to do this til the day I die. There’s nothing like this feeling you get from helping others. It’s hard to describe, but believe me it’s a great feeling.

I don’t know why we do this annual dance of: This year I’m going to (fill in the blank).  I guess it’s one of the ways we start to feel better about ourselves. Find ways to start over. We all get do-overs in life, so why not?  Please comment on this blog and let me know what your New Year’s Resolution is this year? 

Also let me know how you are doing and what progress you’ve made?

It’s January 2 and yes I walked today, but I grazed a lot at home too.  Now I’m going out with some friends for sushi and sake. Hey don’t judge!