Starting in January, I Will . . .

I know that it's only the 6th of December but I started making New Year's resolutions. I make them every year, of course, and sometimes I even stick to them (for at least a month). I love to set goals and get all fired up about them, or say that I'm going to change something and get all fired up about that. The firing up is nice. It's a good push. Unfortunately, the fire burns out before it gets too far.

My journal can attest to this. Honestly, you should see how many repeats I find when I go back and re-read old entries. I sit there thinking, Seriously, Tara? Can't you follow through on one thing? Can't you keep that fire burning for longer than a few days? But the answer is pretty much the same - no.

What are these "resolutions" that I speak of? Well, I'm glad you asked. They are along these lines:

1) I will volunteer with a shelter or Habitat for Humanity.
2) I will go to the UU Church every Sunday and get involved in their community.
3) I will exercise in some form every day.
4) I will give up fast food.
5) I will only drink alcohol on social occasions.
6) I will be more spiritual in general with my prayers, etc.
7) I will plant and tend a garden and work at it so it produces a good crop.
8) I will write a chapter in my book every week.

Pretty good, huh? Fairly simple, you'd think (well, maybe less simple on the whole gardening thing). You say, "Hey, Tara, you gave up beer for 30 days, you can do this too!" Right! Right? I think? Maybe?

I thought about these resolutions some more today. I decided that I wouldn't be so strict this month, what with the holidays and all and the busyness of the season. Then the rational voice in my mind (or perhaps Divine influence) suddenly said, "Tara, why are you procrastinating still? Why are you making the same excuses that you make every epiphany, every year? Why does there have to be a January 1 start date?"

I don't have to start on a specific date or the first of a week or a month. I can start right now. Right now I can decide that I will start my chapter for the week. Right now I can decide that I'll do an exercise routine when I get home from work. Right now I can decide that the only one in control of my life is ME! The only thing preventing me from accomplishing anything is ME!! And the only one that can change things and take the first steps is ME!!!

I came home from work and I did an exercise routine that I hadn't done in ages: Total Toning Basics from Yoga Booty Ballet. I did it all, but ouch. I'm going to be feeling that in my legs and arms and abs tomorrow! But you know what? I feel really darn good about following through on it.

Resolutions, glorious things that they are, are completely pointless. Making the decision to change your life - or making a decision on anything - that is more important. That is where the real magic lies.