Is Resolution a Dirty Word?

In the past few years I have come to dislike the word 'Resolution'. Basically a resolution is just a declaration of one's determination to do or not do something. Common examples are to Quit Smoking and Start Exercising however when we make it a "Resolution" we often give up after one or two slips. The word resolution seems to have an 'all or nothing' feel to it.

So this year I invite you to set Goals and Intentions. Keep them small, simple, and set realistic time lines. Whatever your goals are step back and make sure that you're setting yourself up to succeed. Is it too much too soon? Is it a goal you truly want for yourself or is it being determined by an external pressure? Are you giving yourself enough time to take a few steps back and then move forward again?

I have various goals for this year but there are two that I will share.

First Goal: Play my guitar. I was teaching myself for awhile and then it got tucked in the corner. I love playing and teaching myself however if I don't use it someone else can. I don't have to be rock star and I don't have to share my playing with anyone else. However if I am not using the lovely instrument I have then it's time to let someone else. My intention is to practice playing 3-4 times a week. The goal is if I haven't learned one simple song (right now I am thinking Untouchable Face by Ani Di Franco) by the end of March then I will sell or donate the guitar.

Second Goal: Complete my first duathlon. I have made it easy on myself and picked a mini-du out for this coming May. I don't need to beat any time goals but I have to finish and I have to enjoy it. Part of enjoying the race will be training properly for it, after all injury or drudging through isn't fun. Registration opens in January and I will register and set my intention to complete this goal.

So that's my two cents. Whether you choose to use the word resolution, goal, or intention keep in mind they should all be reasonable, they should be achievable, and they should be important and personal for you.

Love Each Day.

The Routine of Change

"The art of progress is to preserve order amid change and to preserve change amid order."~ Alfred North Whitehead

As I was moving into my condo this past few weeks this quote rang in my brain. I have been so busy the last few months with work, volunteer work, and life that it helped me add structure and order. When you don't have much spare time you have to make every minute count but also make sure that you're being effective and moving forward.

Then when unpacking amongst the chaos of the boxes I realized I had a routine. There were certain things that needed to happen for me to feel established in my home. The shower curtain had to go up, the bed had to be in the right place, my bathroom had to be functional for my morning routine and my pets had to be comfortable. I realized that even during a time of great change I had a routine. Having lived in this home before, a few years ago, I was also intrigued at how I began to put things back in their "place". I made a concious decision about what elements I wanted to be different but then it's as though my subconcious handed me a cup of tea and said, "Let's just make this as easy as possible and stick with what we know."

I find it interesting the way we work so hard to preserve our sanity during change by calling up on our previous experiences, our memories, and our instincts. Even in times of positive change we can be fearful and yet we respond with amazing tools to add a routine, a sense of familiarity and stability.

Certainly nothing profound...just some thoughts from the Cupcake.