There is a lot of talk about New Year's resolutions and whether they are even worth making. I make them every year and I find that over and over again, I am too hard on myself. It is all smack talk. You know what I'm talking about. My clothes don't fit. I don't work out enough. I need to lose weight. I need to eat less of this and more of that. With resolutions, we are always pinpointing something that we don't like about ourselves.
We are our own worst enemies.
I propose a different kind of resolution. I resolve to BE KIND in 2015. I'm not talking about being kind to others or animals or the environment. I'm talking about me. YOU. BE KIND TO YOURSELF.
Find the positive, not the negative. Here are some examples:
- You go for a run, but it turns into a walk. Don't chastise yourself for not making it all of those miles. Pat yourself on the back for getting out there even though it was a hard day.
- You try a new recipe and it doesn't work out how you planned. Don't apologize all through dinner for failing. Talk about what a fun experience it was to try something new and use your imagination on how you can improve on it next time.
- It's 3 p.m. and all you want is a sugary snack. Instead of yelling at yourself for wanting a candy bar, stop and think what would be kindest to your body. Would your body enjoy that candy bar or would it make you feel sluggish and tired? You may have a different answer on different days.
- It's 11 p.m. and you're exhausted. Stop being upset that you can't get to bed sooner. Work creatively with yourself on ways to get to bed earlier a few times a week.
- Your clothes don't fit and you hate your weight. Stop putting yourself down. Look in the mirror and smile. Look at your body and all of the amazing things it has done in your lifetime. Your body is a perfect machine that has brought you from birth to where you are today. Thank your body for all of the hard work it does to keep you going!
We say dozens of negative comments every day, all geared towards ourselves. Would we talk to our children this way? Would we criticize friends the way we criticize ourselves? Never! Be kind to yourself. Think kind thoughts, your physical body will thank you.
Here's to 2015 and all that it holds,
Jenny
