Are you noticing the glut of commercials, radio and TV talk shows, reports, etc., about weight loss, healthy living and gym memberships? And all that talk about New Year's Resolutions!
This is definitely the time of year when gym membership registration soars, and people are flocking to weight loss centres. I was shocked to read that over 92% of people who make resolutions never keep them! And 45% of them fail by the end of January! Part of the reason is that most people set out to change things for the wrong reason.
Where are you starting from?
Author and columnist Andrea Rains Waggener, says that "People start from a place of being not okay. They think they need to change something in order to be okay, in order to be happy."
Wow, that was me. Totally not happy with my life, and thinking that if I only did this, or did that, somehow magically I would be happy again.
As my kids would say "FAIL!"
Taking a long hard look
Once I realized that quick fixes weren't going to do it, I took a long hard look at my life, and realized that I needed to change who I was inside first, before I could change who I was outside. And I couldn't just say I was going to do it, I had to do it. Am I there yet? I believe that we're constantly changing and evolving based on where we are in our lives.
I've stopped making resolutions at 11:59 p.m. on December 31st. I decided a while ago that resolutions can be made at any time of the year. I think that's because I definitely look at life differently now than I did in my 20's and my 30's. Now that I'm in my 50's, I look at things differently than I did in my 40's.
I know that I am happy based on who I am, and not what I look like, or what material possessions I have. I've simplified and de-cluttered my home and my life. Negative people are absolutely not allowed in my life, and I've learned to recognize those people and avoid them as much as possible.
One thing that I believe is different about me now, is that I truly am living my life based on how I think I should, and not on what someone thinks is best for me.
Who are you changing your life for?
If your first answer isn't YOU, sit back and ask yourself, why not?
