2009 Resolutions

So I have been mulling over the prospect of New Year's resolutions.

I have been going to a gym very regularly for the last 11 years and every January, the treadmills fill up, one has to wait for the weight machines, and the showers are all taken. Of course, by February, the population of gym rats is back to normal. I think making permanent, positive changes and habits must take a longer commitment than one month. Goals and resolutions we choose to strive for must not be borne out of emotions and reactions. They should be slowly considered while in a rational state of mind and then left to simmer, for at least several weeks. Perhaps they need to be revisited from time to time so we can test their "doneness" and adjust the ingredients if necessary. Like recipes, if one isn't working for you, change it up or just toss it and investigate a new one, then find the ones that you love and hone them to perfection.

We all feel bloated and overspent on January first! I am starting to believe that no one should attempt major life changes on this date. Ever.

In light of all this, I have been slowly building a list of goals, themes, ideas, and some specific tasks that I want my 2009 to encompass.

• continue love love love for my family and friends
• stay positive
• keep hope in the forefront
• have faith that things work out
• be grateful for all of my blessings, counting them from time to time
• be purposeful and give what I can to the moment
• drink lots of water
• meditate several times a week
• more dates with my husband
• re-connect with some people I have been missing
• set concrete career goals (will definitely have to be revisited!)
• clean out one closet, drawer, or section that collects odds & ends per week (hopefully this is not too ambitious)

As I review this list, I am seeing that most of these are not very specific. That is okay. Some are themes that I would like to carry through the year. I hope I come back to this and revise it, add to it and delete parts from time to time.

I did clear the clutter from underneath my bed today. I also went through my nightstand, cleaned that out, and shelved all the books that were stacked up underneath. All of the bedroom furniture got a thorough vacuuming beneath. Check!