I have seen studies that
show a mere 8% of people, approximately, who make New Year's resolutions keep
them. I have tried the whole "My
resolution this year is to eat more broccoli" approach and it lasts
about 2 weeks … then I can't stand to look at one more piece of broccoli so,
rather than switching to carrots or anything other than broccoli, I just quit
all together. I enjoy eating vegetables,
so it shouldn't be a hard resolution to keep … until I get bored. Broccoli can only be prepared so many ways
before my brain just starts saying "Not a chance in Hades woman!" Why? It might come down to the definition of
Resolve, to settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious
matter). Making a resolution causes a
person to focus on what he or she perceives as a problem, something broken that
needs to be ‘fixed’ … that feels a little negative to me. Intention, on the other hand, is defined as a
aim or purpose … definitely feels more positive to me.
The challenges I have
faced since January 1, 2014 have taught me that life changes on a dime and
whatever resolve we had at the beginning of the year might totally unravel, or become completely
irrelevant when that change occurs. My
2014 resolution was to become physically healthier … so I bought a new
treadmill just days before learning that my marriage was essentially over. My focus had to shift from my physical health
to my mental and emotional health for my son's sake. If I couldn't find a way to get my rage under
control it would have been incredibly detrimental to both me and my son. Thus my 2014 resolution faded into the
sunset. This lead to a beautiful path of
self-discovery that may not have occurred otherwise. I experienced incredible spiritual growth and
maturity, a level I did not know existed until that shift occurred. Ultimately, though, my resolution evaporated.
It was during 2014 that I
decided to stop making a New Year resolution and focus on my intentions instead. In 2015 I intentionally worked to build
stronger relationships with friends and family.
I was also intentional about continuing to deepen my relationship with
God. I experienced some setbacks and
challenges along the way. Taking over as
the facilitator of our little Bible study group was one of those challenges,
but it was another chance to be intentional in building relationships. I was blessed to build lasting friendships
with amazing people who stood by me when 2016 brought me the hardest physical
challenge I've had to date. Living with this
purpose, to form and culture these relationships, was very natural and organic.
In 2016 I “forgot” the
difference between resolution and intention.
I made a resolution to … oh, how shall I say this … finally lose the
baby belly? My son was born 8 years ago
and apparently that pregnancy caused my weight distribution to change
drastically. I hate everything about it
~ which is a story for another time. In January,
we adopted our dog, Abby, from the humane society. I started walking with her daily and I
started eating a little bit healthier diet - nothing crazy, just changes I
figured I could stick with. By April I
found that I was still bothered by allergies, but my asthma attacks were not as
severe. By June was I walking several
blocks without feeling any fatigue.
Major plus … I was starting to feel like I could pull this resolution
off! Then July 28th happened
and my life was turned on its head. I
suffered a bilateral patellar tendon rupture while running in a relay race ~
this, also, is a story for another day.
Surgery to reattach both tendons was performed the next day and I've
been recovering ever since. The entire
last half of 2016 has been spent focused on relearning things like how to walk
as well as rebuilding quad strength and over all stability. I guess it is safe to say that I remained
focused on my physical health … it just wasn't what I had resolved to change.
For 2017, I'm going to
switch back to being intentional and specific.
My aim for 2017 is to walk up and down stairs at a normal pace with a
normal gait. I have already worked with
my physical therapy team to create a home exercise plan that will help me
achieve this goal. If I my overall
physical health improves in the process, AWESOME, however I am going to live with
the intention of regaining strength and stability instead of resolve to fix
what I perceive as broken. I am
motivated and determined … and if it is God's will, I can NOT fail.
What about you? Will you try to live with resolve or will you
choose to live with intention in the coming year?
May your New Year be
blessed.
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