WHY DON'T WE tear up that list of new year's resolutions before it becomes too long and unrealistic. As midnight on december thirty first appraoahces, there need be no pressure and excitement of becoming, instantaneously, a devoted physical fitness fanatic, or a non smoker, or heavens only knows what else. Maybe one more cigarette, even after midnight.
Thinking oif giving up meat? Why do it on january first, or any other particular day? Instead, a more gentle, pallatable approach might lead to better long term results. I shall think in terms of less meat, more plants, and as I eat my way into the new year, gradually i will manifest a tendency towards the vegan lifestyle. Maybe one vegetarian day per month, or per week, for starters. Baby steps.
No alcohol, no smokes, no fat, no booze - ever! Sounds a bit harsh, doesn't it? Harsh, unnecessary, and unrealistic. Maybe a gentler alternative is needed to complete cold turkey abstanance. Maybe just most of the time. Maybe minor deviations are to be tolerated. A cold beer here, a cheeseburger there, maybe even a nice cigar on holidays.
Rigid resolutions and rules weaken and stagger, the bubble bursts, the dam breaks, the avalanche of regret fueled by mindless orgies of pent up excess leave a shell shocked, defeated idealist, broken and confused.
"There is no surer way to blunt a resolution than by talking about it." (goethe) Avoiding the grandiose planning, the bold talk, and quietly leaning into the light, in the general direction of our desired destination, and calmly taking a step ot two; its a start, and with the beginning comes greater sureness of purpose, and most likely, ultimate success.
Empty beer bottles, empty boxes of twinkies wrappers, the dusty stationary bicycle in the corner...signs of high hopes dashed by the forces of reality. It is perfectly acceptable to not become perfect at the stroke of midnight. Just a little progress each day is good enough.
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