Happy New Year!

The definition of “resolution” is quite in depth. For most people’s purposes, they are simple or major changes, or goals, we have to do at the end of every year in which something good should be the result. To many of us that might include lose weight, stop smoking, eat better, exercise more, etc. There are those too, who decide that perhaps they need to better themselves in other ways. For example, there are some who feel they need to call mom more, spend more time helping make money for charity, learn to play chess, etc. Consequently resolutions vary.

The common thread for all resolutions is that they typically are broken. Oh sure, we decided that diet was a must and that we finally felt ready to tackle that extra 25 pounds, but by January 3rd, the diet was cast aside. Poof, the resolution to shed those pounds all gone. So are resolutions just rituals?

For most of us, the answer is yes. For others, it truly is a way of taking a good hard look at ourselves and deciding changes have to be made. Whether it is to make a change for the good of our health, or the good of others, resolutions are made.

I used to make resolutions, but after many failures, I decided one year to only make goals. Yes, it’s the same damn thing, but the word “goal" is less threatening to me. In the end it worked. I also decided that my goals had to be more realistic. Making the goal to parachute out of a plane was not realistic. I am afraid of heights. Last year I had the following three goals: 1) learn to make sushi, 2) learn various painting techniques, and 3) get more involved in martini making and drinking. Any bets as to which goal I jumped feet first into first? I love martinis!

This year my goals are simple again, and realistic.

*I want to learn more about the vast variety of cheeses available to me, and how to use them in various dishes.
*I want to learn to knit. Nothing fancy, the basics will do.
*I want to learn how to make pasta. (I got a cool pasta maker Christmas)

I’m no expert on making and keeping resolutions or goals, but I do know that once you have decided you are ready to make that New Year's resolution and stick to it, you need to develop a plan of action and make that plan a priority. One of the most important secrets to keeping those New Year's resolutions is to take the process of change one day at a time. And it's OK to make big changes through taking small steps. If you can do just a little bit to get going, soon you'll feel the positive effects of the change. And that little bit of change can lead to long-term healthy habits that last far beyond New Year's Day.

Happy and Healthy New Years!

"New Year's is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. Perhaps that's why,
as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become introspective. Inevitably, that
introspection turns to thoughts of self-improvement and the annual ritual of making
resolutions, which offer the first of many important tools for remaking ourselves!" - Gary Ryan Blair