Step Into 2012 in a Whole New Way

It’s New Year’s Eve and everyone is either poised to create a new and better self, and new and better life this year, or they are resisting the social pressure to make New Year’s resolutions. I, myself, am weary of all the hot tips on health, weight loss research, exercise and nutrition. I hear confusion from my patients in my practice every day, because the media presents sensationalistic reports, often pulling out “nuggets” from some poorly designed research, which stands us on our heads; such as: “Vitamins Kill”, or something like that. Reports conflict such that one day coffee is “good for you” and another it’s not. Same with chocolate, or zinc, or vitamin D. I’m going to offer something for your New Year that is so simple and fundamental as to be obvious, but then it doesn’t “sell soap.” 

When it comes to making change, I find it helps to check in with yourself, and come down to the nitty gritty of what makes you tick. What “calls” to you, has you getting all excited, or passionate and happy? What draws you forward, out of your bad habits? What makes you try something new and has you feeling exhilarated and glad you stepped out?  What’s so much fun, like an activity, that you practically can’t tear yourself away from it to get to work, or mowing the lawn...the chores and practical things you know you have to attend to? What are your aspirations that are so important to you, you’re willing to sacrifice your “deliciously” bad habits, and curb those desires, in order to stay true to your ideals, and make sure your health becomes a support for achieving those goals?; doing things like eating better and going to bed earlier so you have energy for your special journey. 

I have a very sage chiropractic colleague who teaches a course on “Adjusting the Mind” for chiropractors,  who put it this way, “Ask yourself, ‘what are my principles and virtues?’, is this activity/choice in line with what makes me ME, that has me being congruent with what I stand for? The lack of being in alignment with your principles, creates a kind of friction, or in-authenticity that costs us feeling genuine and true. Being in an inquiry about your goals and principles, checking in with yourself in your daily travels, or having a game plan for this year, that looks more like a treasure map than a laundry list, might make all the difference.

One of my favorite games as a kid, was Candyland. I loved rolling the dice, advancing a few blocks on the roadmap, and seeing where it got me. That treasure map of the things I want to do in life, makes me question whether staying up ‘til the wee hours, is really going to forward the action tomorrow, or whether I’ll be sullen and dull instead, unable to fulfill my promises to family, friends and myself. So, don’t get stuck in the Choclolate Swamp.  

Check in, is this consistent with who I  am? what I stand for? where I’m going? and what I want?  If not, change that choice quickly in “present time” and practice consistently. You’d be amazed at the results. You’ll still trip, and have set backs, but gradually you can move from point A to point B, and be able to make new milestones. 

Don’t know who you are, or what you want or where you’re going? That’s a whole ‘nother post. 

Have a safe and Happy New Year’s celebration, and an exciting new year!