Resolutions That Feel Good (so you keep ’em…)

It’s the official day to mention new year’s resolutions- if you know me, you know I am not a fan of the traditional sort that people typically make. Most come from a place of shame and regret and self-hate. Uh… very inspiring! Just thinking of the resolution makes you have to find fault with yourself which stirs up all sorts of discomfort which you must know by now does not motivate change in any way worth noting. Wouldn’t it make more sense to commit to things that would make us feel better? This makes sense to me on a couple of levels- first of all, anything that makes you feel better, feels better (duh..). And since real change usually has to come from a place of self-love, self-care, or inspiration to move towards our higher selves, feeling better will lead to other steps to feeling better. So if you wanted to stop smoking, or stop swearing, or eat more vegetables, or lose some extra weight, it would be a good idea to get yourself into as good-feeling a place as possible. Are you following me?

I have thought about what I want for myself in the coming year- aside from the basics (health, wealth, love, peace, etc) here is my “official” short list for 2009. I am very excited about both the year and the intentions.

First, more fun in Winter!

• I am going to return to downhill skiing after a 32 year absence! We live in the snowbelt of Massachusetts, where I could be happily pointed down a mountain in 20 or 30 minutes. I love that. I am going to get me a pair of those newish shorter skis, and some skipants, and off I will be going within the next week or so. I am super excited, and a little scared (which is always part of excitement anyways). Last time I skiied I was 18, am now 51, and have had 2 major knee surgeries. But my legs are super strong from my daily uphill walks, and I need winter to be way more fun now that we live out in the country.
• Also under “winter fun” I am getting out my ice skates and substituting a couple of my daily walks, for public skating rink-time one town over at 1030 am. I haven’t skated in about 5 years, but I love it, and my skates should still fit, just need to be sharpened. Perfect morning outing and computer break mid-week.
• I am feeling drawn to a more vegetarian or vegan lifestyle- me, the biggest carnivore on the planet. I could probably live on meat if I didn’t now know more about how cows and animals become dinner. It’s too upsetting, and I am too sensitive once I get certain images in my head. Am reading non-threatening vegan books and trying to imagine what I will eat.
• I am committed to paying for more help. I want less time on computer, more time in aforementioned winter or seasonal fun and time with people I love. Too much work and not enough play made me very weird in 2008.
• I am also trying an experiment for 2009- I am going to see what it feels like to not say most of what I am thinking. I like being quieter, I like being less bossy, I like offering something positive and loving when I open my mouth. Family tradition and genetics work against me on this one, but I believe it’s a good intention!!

That’s it- I like to focus on different aspects and ways of uplifting my energies each year. Let me know what ideas you have mulled over for 2009.

May we all be inspired and blessed to reach higher and shine our brightest lights for the good of ourselves and all-

love and blessings,

Lisa