Resolutions from a Therapist

A new year conjures up new resolutions. We set goals in hope to achieve them this year. It has been known that we often give up our resolutions by the second month. Why? Maybe those resolutions are unrealistic, maybe life happens and distracts us, or maybe we just forget about them. In the end, we chalk it up as resolutions being idealistic and unattainable- therefore giving us permission to be quitters or failures. But for me, I think the concept was created to provide us hope and empowerment.

This year so far, I have received numerous flyers pasted on my windshield of promotions at the nearest gym, seen commercials showcasing how fun it is to "get fit," and read ads for organic and gluten-free food delivery services and weight loss programs. Last January, when I would drive by my local gym on my way to pick up take-out, I'd see the glass and mirrored gym packed with motivated people with "go-get-them" attitudes. By March, the gym got less crowded and the wait time for my take-out got longer. Have we become a society that dreams up lifestyles that seem too perfect to be true- with the beautiful physique to complement a constant postive outlook? Well, as least that's what it feels like according to the all-knowing and powerful media. 

The fact is, life can be hard and filled with unpredictable events. As much as we want to control our lives and reach our goals, sometimes we have to go the longer route to get to where we want to be. If we continue to participate in the rat race, in which, we see who can "have it all" the quickest, we lose out. Be patient. The glory is reaping the benefits of self-care and self-nuture. The first resolution that we come up with may be to get in shape because it's an affirmation that is easy to track, however I think it's because we all want to become a more healthy version of ourselves. I say, work from the inside out and the chances of flucuation and disappointment lessens. Let's get emotionally and mentally healthy first or concurrently. Pick a goal, a good one. Then enter a race where we take form of the tortoise, and not the hare. Now that's what I call glory.