Resolutions

New Years Day is over and for me it is the end of the Christmas season. We have just finished cleaning up the food from another family gathering. I do not think I could endure another celebration at Epiphany. I need to reclaim my house and schedule and get back to a regular routine.

I used to make a long list of resolutions on January 1st, which were usually broken before the month was over. Over the years, I have come to accept who I am and have stopped trying to change into some other person I wish I could be. When we were little, we looked for a parent’s approval. Later, the approval of our peers became even more important. Why is it that we want to be like someone else? Those with curly hair wish theirs was straight, those with straight hair get a perm. When I was a preteen, I wanted dark hair and brown eyes. Why? I don’t remember why. Some people set impossible physical standards for themselves, resorting to surgery and expensive treatments to alter their “defects”.

Many people are still looking for the approval of others, and are insecure with their own identity. Others are overly critical of children, family and acquaintances and their criticism is damaging to relationships.

In my last full time job, I was the physiotherapy professional leader, and as such, had to do yearly evaluations with my staff. The company had a form which had to be completed that included lists of strengths, weakness and goals for each employee. Doing evaluations was a tedious job, and I was always glad when it was done. However, it was rewarding to discuss the strengths and accomplishments of each person, as well as giving them areas to work on for improved performance.

So, my New Years resolutions should begin with a list of my strengths and accomplishments before I list the areas where I want to improve and be challenged.

My strengths, hmmm, OK, I have some.

My goals for 2007….

1. Accept myself as I am
2. Accept others as they are without demanding change
3. Ride a horse at least once
4. Visit some place I have never been before
5. Meet some new people
6. Nurture old relationships
7. Use the knowledge I have to keep my body, soul and spirit as healthy as possible
8. Accept change with a good attitude and look forward to learning new things

Now, I am going out for a late walk with the dog and The Becka to work on resolution #7.