"Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted--a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul." Rabbi Harold Kushner
The year of 2010 is the year I became a convert to a belief in New Year's Resolutions. I resolved to make one simple change toward a healthier diet--eating more fruits and vegetables. Specifically, I resolved to eat at least one fruit or vegetable at every meal. By April or May, I found that I had been actually sticking to that plan more often than not and I resolved to work a vegetarian day into every week. As a result, I lost over ten pounds and lowered my cholesterol by my physical in late October. The best part was, I never said to myself I was on a diet, and I didn't tell myself I was suffering and so "deserved" an entire bag of chips as a reward for my pains. I didn't deprive myself either. If I wanted a cookie, I had one or two without regret.
I have an occasional cheeseburger, but, honestly, given the choice I pick a lentil-walnut burger with an avocado slice nine times out of ten.
So I am convinced I can change for the better, that I don't have to accept that I am old and therefore set in my ways. In 2010, I changed my eating habits and reaped benefits I don't want to give up. In 2011, I have decided, I will work on changing some of my thinking habits. I've been looking over the past year in blogland and the more recent real life dramas, and find that I have been a bit on the whiny side lately--a lot on the whiny side lately. Now, I have read about the "Happiness Project" and I don't see that as the way for me to go--too many suggestions. I'm intrigued by cultivating gratitude, though. I can see some wisdom in reflecting on the positive--and I can always go back to complaining if it doesn't work out.
Well, okay, I am not going to go all Oprah-Pollyanna hybrid and turn the blog into a gratitude journal. I am resolving to be more aware of what is good in my life and appreciate that rather than ruminating on what went wrong.
We made it to Florida. The weather is warm and the birds are singing their little hearts out. That is something to be grateful for on at least ten different levels.
The year of 2010 is the year I became a convert to a belief in New Year's Resolutions. I resolved to make one simple change toward a healthier diet--eating more fruits and vegetables. Specifically, I resolved to eat at least one fruit or vegetable at every meal. By April or May, I found that I had been actually sticking to that plan more often than not and I resolved to work a vegetarian day into every week. As a result, I lost over ten pounds and lowered my cholesterol by my physical in late October. The best part was, I never said to myself I was on a diet, and I didn't tell myself I was suffering and so "deserved" an entire bag of chips as a reward for my pains. I didn't deprive myself either. If I wanted a cookie, I had one or two without regret.
I have an occasional cheeseburger, but, honestly, given the choice I pick a lentil-walnut burger with an avocado slice nine times out of ten.
So I am convinced I can change for the better, that I don't have to accept that I am old and therefore set in my ways. In 2010, I changed my eating habits and reaped benefits I don't want to give up. In 2011, I have decided, I will work on changing some of my thinking habits. I've been looking over the past year in blogland and the more recent real life dramas, and find that I have been a bit on the whiny side lately--a lot on the whiny side lately. Now, I have read about the "Happiness Project" and I don't see that as the way for me to go--too many suggestions. I'm intrigued by cultivating gratitude, though. I can see some wisdom in reflecting on the positive--and I can always go back to complaining if it doesn't work out.
Well, okay, I am not going to go all Oprah-Pollyanna hybrid and turn the blog into a gratitude journal. I am resolving to be more aware of what is good in my life and appreciate that rather than ruminating on what went wrong.
We made it to Florida. The weather is warm and the birds are singing their little hearts out. That is something to be grateful for on at least ten different levels.
Glad to hear you made it. I look forward to reading your posts through the coming year. Give us a good look at life in Florida.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on all the positive changes that you made last year.
ReplyDeleteI think an attitude adjustment now and again is always a good thing. Happy new year.
I agree and am trying to do the same. Thanks for reminding me. I'm glad you are safe in Florida.
ReplyDeleteYou must be in the warm part of Florida as I have been reading cold posts. Must be your change in attitude!
ReplyDeleteGlad you made it safely to Florida. Enjoy the warm. My brother arrived there about the same time near Ft. Myers and he is loving it. Hope you both have a warmer winter than last year.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work on the positive direction.