Resolved to Resolutions

Packages have been opened. Holiday confections have been eaten, every last one. Guests have said their goodbyes.

We’ve enjoyed another wonderful holiday with family and friends. Again, we welcomed a new year full of promise and prosperity.

But this year is different. I’ve made my first New Year’s resolution—ever.

I am a firm believer in bettering myself and nurturing a positive outlook. So I’ve committed to incorporating three small things into my life on a weekly basis that will make a big difference.
 

Practice yoga.  
Family is my priority. But to care for them I need to keep myself healthy. I love to work out and when I do I usually lift weights (oftentimes heavy ones). I also enjoy crazy cardio classes (or run) and sweat, a lot. But I know the importance of yoga. It helps me take my exercise routine to a meditative level. Yoga benefits not only the body, but also the mind. It’s a symbiotic relationship. I have found that an hour of yoga on a regular basis helps me slow down, relax and focus in—and outside—of the studio.

Minimize my impact.  
I want to leave fewer footprints in this world. To do this, I’m now using reusable coffee filters. I’ll soon start composting and have committed to making my own oraganic cleaning products. I will reuse and recycle like I’ve never done before. Every week I am challenging myself to discover new ways to help me keep this resolution. I invite you to share my progress in weekly blog posts beginning this month. Who knows… you may want to join me.

Live outside my comfort zone.
This year I plan to say yes more. Yes to more opportunities, yes to more experiences. I know that great things lie outside of my bubble and when I take a chance, it oftentimes pays off in life-changing ways.

Last year I took the leap and became a certified fitness instructor. I am already reaping the benefits of feeling better and helping others do the same.

Those who know me know I am an introvert. I probably would have been just fine taking fitness classes forever. So when an instructor approached me about training classes, I hesitated. Then I said yes.

Now that I teach regularly, I love it. Fear surfaces occasionally and I still get nervous, but I love helping others become stronger and healthier. This gratification supersedes my self-consciousness. I am so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and into a new life experience.

This year I vow to take more of these steps.