New Year, New Journey

Almost everyone does it at this time of year. I'm talking about making resolutions. Wikipedia tells us that A New Year's resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit.  It also says that 88% of resolutions actually fail. I wonder if that's because we are all generally creatures of habit and if a resolution is particularly uncomfortable or challenging, we give up after about 3 weeks and then defer it to next season. 

You can resolve to do, or not do, lots of things but I think that unless your hand is forced or circumstances dictate you have no other choice but to take a different direction, you may never actually fulfill a resolution. Maybe good resolutions are borne from loss and a strength to follow a particular journey even when you don't know what's around the
next corner. It makes sense to resolve to be brave in the face of adversity, steadfast in the pursuit of life affirming relationships, wise in the care of people that you love and strong in the conviction that good things will be around the next corner. 

It's always good to start a new exercise program or lose 10 kilos, but unless your doctor tells you your life depends on it, the siren call of chocolate at night may be stronger than your resolve. 

This year, for the first time in many years I will be making more resolutions stemming from a change in life direction than for any other reason.  2012 has been a shocker on many levels, but a blessing in others. The shape of things to come does rely, in part, on my ability to maintain resolve. It also requires me to move forward whist releasing. Not an easy ask. 

As we approach the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013, I pray a strong sense of resolution comes over those of you who have lost in order to gain something different, more or better. I'm right there with you. 

And for the rest of you who find yourself in a season of moderate renewal, I wish you all the very best in your weightloss journey, and hope that the chocolate remains in the cupboard for you. 

Happy New Year to you, wherever you find yourself.