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Happy New Year and good luck

What are your New Year’s resolutions? I don’t have any. Don’t plan to have any. Think they’re pretty much a waste of time.

Making a list of things to change in the coming year seems a bit delusional to me.

I can tell you what I’d like to have happen. It doesn’t mean I can make those things happen.

For example, I would like to magically, without altering any patterns I’ve established as an adult, become healthier. That would mean exercising more. That would mean committing to a daily routine and following through.

That would mean making a commitment which would not be derailed by circumstances. No matter what might be happening, I would have the discipline to ignore it and march on with my routine.

olivia6-25 Page 4A.inddDo I want to prepare separate meals when my choice for supper is not what they would like to eat?

Truthfully, no I do not. I’d rather not eat at all than fix another meal.

Would I like to quit baking? No, not really. I like to bake.

Would I give up an opportunity to break with routine and do something fun like going to a movie or eating out?

Absolutely. If that opportunity comes along, I will ditch whatever tedious activity is on the list immediately.

If I must choose between unpleasant tasks such as oven cleaning or taking everything out of the refrigerator or going to see a play, I will let everything in the refrigerator rot with a clear conscience and go to the play.

Have you ever heard “Gather your rosebuds while you may?”

Well, there’s your answer.

I enjoy bike riding but won’t go if it’s too hot or too cold.

That ruled out almost the entire summer, and much of winter.

I love kayaking but didn’t go all summer because something always interfered.

If I had only myself and my own concerns to think of, it’s possible I’d be 20 pounds lighter and an athletic, muscular machine.

I’d eat only broccoli and nuts, with a few grains such as raw oats and maybe grass.

I’d run 10 miles a day in rain or shine, snow or sleet, heat or cold.

But I’m not that person.

I’m the person who stops to chat in the grocery store even if I’ve planned to go for a walk.

The key for me would be to have a partner who was expecting me on a regular basis to show up to walk or bike or do other healthy activities.

Now that might be the answer for someone like me. I’ve found exercise to be a lonely proposition, so maybe I’ll find an exercise buddy who wouldn’t mind cancelling everything if a good movie came along. Now that’s not exactly a New Year’s resolution, but it will have to do for now.