December 31, 2006 10:22 PM
Happy New Year!
Here is my column from this week's Loudoun Times-Mirror:
Out with the old and in with the new! Nothing like a new year to get our attention. The custom of New Year’s Resolutions dates back to 153 B.C. when the Roman god Janus was chosen to head the calendar – one face looking back and one face looking forward. There’s something compelling about that Times-Square-ball-dropping moment marking the end of one year and the beginning of the next, something that calls us to try to make more of our lives.
But for me last year, making more of my life meant less of me. I shared last spring that I was on the road to better health and more personal freedom through a major weight loss effort. The diet I began February 2 was the result of a New Year’s Resolution. It just took me a month to get serious.
By September I’d lost 70 pounds and found much more to life – a stronger, sounder body plus the energy I need to finish bringing up our six kids still have at home. Normal blood pressure. Plenty of breath. Plus the joy of shopping for clothes in normal sizes!
For three months I’ve maintained my weight, but come January 1, it’s back on the Fat Flush Plan for me – only 30 pounds to go to my target weight.
I’m no Superwoman. Like everyone else, I’ve made more resolutions than I’ve kept. But this time, something clicked for me. And if it clicked for me, it can click for anyone, no matter what kind of improvement you need to make in your life – from a health issue to spending more time with your kids to dumping a negative attitude.
Here are four steps to make your New Years Resolutions stick:
Accept the obvious: Everyone else knows you need to lose weight/stop drinking/quit complaining/whatever. Isn’t it time you admitted it to yourself?
Make a decision: Change is tough. Becoming willing to do the hard work is sometimes the toughest part.
Go for it: People in recovery learn the story of the two frogs on the lily pad: “One decides to jump. How many are left? . . . . Two, because one just decided to jump.” Deciding isn’t doing. I spent a month after my New Year’s Resolution researching what would be the best way for me lose weight. I was lucky I didn’t lose my resolve. My advice: don’t wait – just do it.
Get real: The unhealthy aspects of our lives – from addictions to road rage – are symptoms of deeper issues. When we just change the surface – “white knuckling” it or donning a frozen smile – we’re headed for trouble. The devil’s in the details, so make sure you rout him out.
I mean, if you’re going to go to all the work of losing weight or quitting cigarettes, why not make sure you only have to do it once? Wouldn’t it be great in 2008 to make some easier resolutions?
Comments
Congratulations on your resolve to stick it out and really carry out your resolution, Barbara! Besides the positive changes in your attitude, relationships and family life, that photo of you sure looks great =)
Happy new year to you and your lovely family!
Sunnyday
Posted by: Sunnyday | January 1, 2007 8:03 AM
Good for you!
Posted by: Julana | January 1, 2007 8:40 AM
Awwww, you look wonderful! What an awesome way to start the new year!
:)
Posted by: Valerie | January 1, 2007 9:12 AM
Congratulations!!!
Posted by: Leslie | January 1, 2007 1:29 PM
You look fantastic!
Posted by: Shrinkingmom | January 1, 2007 4:01 PM
Wow! You look great! What an inspiration for me, day 2 into my own diet/life change. Thanks for sharing your journey and inspiring others to make a change!
Posted by: Melissa | January 2, 2007 8:21 AM
What fantastic advice! And what a fantastic story! I am also trying to lose some weight this year and this blog is certainly inspirational. I also checked out newyearresolution.blogspot.com , which also has some interesting tips. Motivation is so key and I hope to follow through on my resolution this time around.
Posted by: Andy | January 3, 2007 8:47 AM
You look incredible. Way to go. I know you'll meet your goals.
Posted by: Christy | January 3, 2007 5:18 PM
Thanks for the great tips! :o ) It's funny how I can know something, and yet it can take hearing it from someone else to help motivate change. It's weird how that works. lol Anyway, thanks for setting a good example for all of us gals who are working hard so our next resolutions can be easier ones. *wink*
Posted by: Jenna | January 4, 2007 11:02 AM
