Tuesday, December 16, 2008

resolving to resolve.

warmth.

Do any of you have resolutions for the new year? Generally, I like to set goals for myself and revisit them several times a year, but I think this year I will actually set some resolutions for myself. Because I would rather make myself happier through my resolutions than set resolutions that accentuate some negative quality and make me feel crappy by even working on the resolution (I'm not making this up, read this post about thin-ideal cultures and depression among women), I decided to do a bit of research on the topic.

The Openhand Foundation posted a piece on following through with resolutions from a spiritual and philosophical perspective. That resonated with me.

The Happiness Project give tips for following through on resolutions.

From the Blog "Loving Work & Leading," comes an approach that includes resolution, intention, expectation and envision components. A holistic approach to making resolutions a part of your life.

The federal government actually tracks New Year's resolutions. (I know there is a good reason for that. It just struck me as funny when I read it.) They list the most popular resolutions right here.

I think it is important to create and keep resolutions that mirror your core values. For example, if I resolve to swim more this year, it would be with the same intention as I live the rest of my life rather than at the expense of it. This realization has taken time to cultivate and is a practice in the truest sense of the word. If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know that I like to stay in the moment, connected to what I am doing right now, and maintaining this presence takes discipline in the form of saying "no" to obligations and activities that are at odds with this intention. With that in mind, I'm off to brainstorm a few resolutions and goals for the new year.

peace. & LOVE.

8 comments:

  1. this is a great post, and it seems to be so consistent with the way you approach life. from getting to know you on this blog, you seem to be one of those unique beings that can simultaneously shift between living in the moment and planning for future needs/wants, based on what is going on at the time; just a wonderful combination.

    for me, i've found that my resolutions are more achievable when they're part of my daily process of living and being. as much as i love to brainstorm goals, i rarely follow resolutions when i write them down as a batch list of intentions at the beginning of the year, so i've largely let go of that ideal. instead, i know that if there's something i want/need to accomplish i automatically do it - kind of a planning/doing at the same moment. it compromises the future strategy a bit, but on the whole it works for me.

    great topic. i'm curious to hear what others have to say about it. hugs to you :)

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  2. a perfectly wise post...I too plan to make a few resolutions...however, now I will be reading your links first...xo t

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  3. i love your post and your focus on creating resolutions with meaning. so often, it seems people are flippant about them and really have no intention of following thru. i don't really create resolutions, but try to live according to my core values: love, knowledge, authenticity. those aspects of my life are most important. yes, i'd like to lose 5 pounds and not worry so much, but that's everyday.

    i'm going to take at your links, especially the happiness project. we can always use some more of that.

    xo, c

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  4. I need to make a list of resolutions and actually stick to them. I feel like this upcoming year is the most important to be planning and saving.

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  5. I'd like to say that my NEW YEAR resolution is to 'NOT DWELL on the things that are no good for you.


    Jen Ramos
    'Cards & Prints You'll Love...'
    www.madebygirl.com
    madebygirl.blogspot.com
    --

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  6. I will have to think about the resolutions... damn, lady! you start early!

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  7. hey girlis...how are you?
    no resolutions for this girl.
    i never stick to them!

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  8. great post!

    dallas
    http://www.dillydallas.blogspot.com

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