How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? I know I
am working at them; I even have them listed and taped to the top of my laptop so
I don’t forget.
- M-F— write 1,000 words each day.
- M-W-F—10 minutes of Yoga.
- Tu-Th-Sa—T’ai Chi (at least the 24 movements).
- Every day—meditate.
But, is this a wise thing to do?
I am making an effort, but like all people living with
chronic pain, some days are better than others. If I am honest with myself,
I would give myself a D. That’s not much of a self-esteem booster, is it? I am
certainly writing, but the thing is—the 1,000 words are intended to be on my
next book. Instead, I am writing blogs like this one. In the suggested New Year’s
resolution for writers, sticking to the goal means avoiding distractions and they suggest the biggest for everyone is social media. So while the intent is there, my effort is not would it
should be. Or is it?
How we manage our resolutions is most likely more important
than making them in the first place, especially in the face of illnesses that
can cause a flare. We are already dealing with the overdoing we experience after
the holidays. Shouldn't I be kinder to myself, cut myself some slack, provide
for down time so I can manage my real priorities and work on striving for that
balance I talk so much about in my books?
It's not the amount
of time as much
as it is about how I use and manage it.
I need to regroup. I will set aside time for my other New Year’s
Resolution, the one that didn't make it to that note on my laptop, learning how
to use my new digital SLR camera. I even bought a book on how to use it and it
still sits there, not a page turned. I give tips to others on how to set
priorities, now it’s time to do them for myself. There is such peace and
appreciation when I am totally in that moment of photography, seeing life from various
angles and resolutions through the lens of my camera. That is the metaphor for
living, not sticking to New Year’s resolutions.
I still need to make the effort when I can—no excuses, but aren't New Year’s resolutions intended
to make us wiser, more accomplished? I
think in order to do that, we must focus on the intent instead of
holding ourselves up for defeat. That is a more attractive resolution.
So I am pushing the reset button. My New Year’s resolutions
now read.
- Find resolve, peace, and joy.
- Experience a sense of accomplishment.
- Find a way to achieve despite the obstacles of chronic illness and pain.
How will your resolutions change when you hit the reset
button?
~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~ • ~
Update 2015
"Adversity is only an obstacle if we fail to see
opportunity."
Celeste Cooper, RN
New Website
Learn more about what you can do to help your body function to its
potential in the books you can find here on Celeste's blog. Subscribe
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All answers and blogs are based on the author's opinions and
writing and are not meant to replace medical advice.
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2 comments:
I know I am a bit slow on reading your blogs. But I do read and enjoy them, especially this one. Thank you for this blog, Celeste. I really love the "RESET" button and will use it probably many times. Please don't ever stop writing.
Thank You,
~Corrine
I understand. I too am behind and probably miss many blogs I would really like to read. Setting priorities is a good thing. I am so glad to have you follow along.
~Celeste
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