Three and a half months into the New Year, how are
your resolutions going? Remember them? They’re the ones you thought up as you
knocked back that fourth glass of cheap prosecco, bought from your local Lidl.
The Lidl where you definitely do not wantto ever be seen by your fellow middle-classers, but to which you elopefurtively at almost closing time when no one’s looking and your pockets lackthe depth they once had. Anyway, back to my main point, how many resolutions
have you kept? How many have you thrown overboard, into that big ocean called
“Real Life”?
Late December and early January have that
self-satisfying, fresh-start effect that animates many a New Year’s Eve
shindig. It is that sense of finally,
finally! beginning that much
sought-after, new chapter in our lives. Yet, beyond this burst of motivation
lies a not-always-perceptible threat: disappointment.
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| What killed Icarus? Hubris or failure to realise his New Year's resolution: flying as close to the sun as possible? |
There are both mental and physical consequences as a
result of this grandiose vision of the year ahead. Namely, we tend to overlook small
but equally important changes in our lives. Hitting the gym and attempting to
go from a size 16 down to a size 10 takes precedence over going for a brisk walk
in the local park regularly. The former might burn more calories in a shorter
time, but it is the latter that manages to leave us more fulfilled and complete
as human beings in the long term. Another mental minus is that we set the bar
for our resolutions so high that not even the former pole vault legend Sergey
Bubka would have been able to clear it. The outcome? Frustration.
On the other hand, having low expectations does not
help either. Based on close observation, I have noticed that pessimists or
those prone to having a negative outlook on life, tend to have a body language
that mirrors their attitude. Slouched shoulders, bent posture and solemn-looking
faces are some of the signs I usually come across, even if they are not
conclusive evidence.
We live in a world full of expectations, both made of
us and by us. The problem is that constant target-setting is tiring and it takes
the joy out of the life we, ironically, are trying to live well. My advice? Do
not ever expect perfection. Give New Year’s resolutions the heave-ho. We are
broken humans after all.
©
2018
No specific resolutions here for New Year. Nor perfection. Just the on-going work in progress one of trying to make a positive difference in the world. And some days I fail.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time I made resolutions with the arrival of the New Year. Some I kept; some I did not; most I forgot within a matter of days. A few years ago, however, I made one resolution to which I faithfully have kept: Never to make another resolution ....
ReplyDeleteObviously, it's the fall that killed him. It was a long drop.
ReplyDeleteI don't spend New Year's with anyone, so it is inconsequential to me. But I do make constant resolutions throughout the year. One or two of them usually do get met.
I love that header picture. Subject is great, and it's sharp. Gives it strength.
Hi ACIL - I don't tend to do resolutions ... and being here - they have had to change due to circumstances. However ... I must settle into a routine of sorts and make sure I achieve a few goals ... I am reading more due to change of continent and a book club. Love the view ... the scaffolding is about the same height when I visited before I left last year ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about resolutions. I long ago quit trying to set goals in January that were unlikely to be met by year's end. It's better to begin each day asking myself what I can get accomplished that day.
ReplyDeleteI don't make resolutions. I find it better to take action when the notion hits me rather than save it till New year Day.
ReplyDeleteI don’t do resolutions - see no point in setting myself up to fail!
ReplyDeleteNo resolutions here, either. Or... perhaps that is why everything in the house is breaking down. Every facility is failing me and, thinking back, it all started in New Year. Perhaps it is a lesson as yet unlearned!
ReplyDeleteI don't make New Year´s resolutions. We just wish each other a happy - and healthy - New Year :-)
ReplyDeleteALDI and Lidl - everyone over here buys there - no shame at all. Esp ALDI is good quality, too.
Just wonder if it looks as cheap as over here or as luxurious as in Australia?
I try not to make these sweeping promises to change every aspect of my life, but I do like using Jan. 1 as way of reconnecting with my goals and see how I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteNo suelo hacer muchas resoluciones en general a parte de decirme que tengo que perder algunos kilos y no los suelto por falta de no tener la suficiente voluntad con lo cual mejor no tomar muchas resoluciones para no defraudarme.
ReplyDeleteQue hayas conseguido las tuyas, un abrazo.
lol, I don´t make any so I can´t break any :)
ReplyDeleteNever make any at my sea. If I want to do something, I do it. Screw the "magic" day.
ReplyDeleteI don't make resolutions, maybe better that way!
ReplyDeleteWell that's a good idea but I can't let my resolutions go. I already feel obligated. I haven't done any of them but i have been contemplating and analyzing them, which is a great foundation!
ReplyDeleteSo true! I haven't made resolutions for years now and feel great!
ReplyDeleteenjoyed the read. I don't make resolutions anymore, as most are not kept. :)
ReplyDeleteMy resolution, to have more fun and to waste less time. Time, such a precious commodity.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful Easter weekend. Hugs!🌷🐏🐝🐤
So true, target setting and missing the target can be extremely wearing:)
ReplyDeleteAs usual, great post.
Like many - I no longer make resolutions.
ReplyDeleteHey Lidl have some great wine!
Cheers!
Have a good Easter weekend.
All the best Jan
I haven't broken a single resolution, because I never make them. It makes more sense to me to simply wake up each morning (So far, so good!) and give each day my best. One day at a time.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy Easter and hoping you've had a wonderful weekend so far!
ReplyDeleteOh this is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteHaha...I love the bit about Lidl. One of my favourite stores...and unashamedly!!
I honestly don't give a fig for who sees me shopping in there...their range of chocolate, wine, vodka and desserts are absolutely divine.:))
As for resolutions...well...for once, I'm not doing too badly! Have so far managed to stay on top of my coursework...and have been working out regularly.
However, I can't promise I will keep it up all year...but do promise to try!! *smiles*
Greetings from a sunny (yes, SUNNY!!) Hampshire! ;))