I Resolve...

In the years gone by, I have not made any resolutions.  In a way I was concerned that the very -making of a resolution- ensured its failure.  But today as I go about my morning routine, I realize how many good choices I have included in my life (good is a judgement, but one I am making!) and how many habits that did not work for me anymore I have left behind.  That kind of changes things...

I managed to quit smoking "cold-turkey" on the night before my 30th birthday.  I went from smoking every day to averaging about one cigarette per year.  That average will now be zero as the last cigarette I had made me throw up.  I don't care what your religion is, that is a sign from God that I should not be smoking anymore!  

So if I can break one pattern, I can break ANY pattern.  And create new ones, right?

I always liked the expression "I choose to release all that no longer serves my purpose" and have been trying it out as a mantra for a while.  What I am realizing is how many of my THOUGHTS really no longer serve my purpose.  Even when making choices that are healthier for me, my thoughts can negate any good they could do just be feeling like I SHOULD do them.  Hmmm...  That creates a dilemma for me.  

Long ago, a friend of mine and I debated about which was more important:  The action itself, or the thought behind the action?And we debated for a long time.  We had to come to the conclusion that the thought behind the action is AS important as the action itself.  And we both felt like we won!  But that opened a whole new can of worms because in our modern society the expression "no pain, no gain" is commonly known.  So if I believe that I need to suffer in order to succeed, then will I always suffer before I succeed?

I can only give you anecdotal evidence.  And from my experience, the answer is yes.

So based on all that, here are my resolutions 2010 and beyond:

• I resolve to expect that things will be easy!
• I resolve to focus more of my attention to the present moment.  There really is a magic to the present moment that I often miss and would like to enjoy more!
• I resolve to examine my thoughts more frequently.  I believe this will help me to uncover the old patterns that no longer apply and let them go.
• I resolve to eat more consciously.  I hear it's better for my health, but also it will help me to choose foods that I really require rather than just garbage

I think that's a good start, don't you?