Many have made such resolutions in the past. Yet, most of us did not succeed accomplishing them.
Why didn't our New Year's resolutions happen?
According to Google, top five, popular resolutions are:
- Stay fit and healthy
- Loose weight
- Enjoy life to the fullest
- Spend less, save more
- Spend more time with family and friends
Arguably, one might "decode" these into more realistic version, which could be something like that:
- Get fit and healthy
- Stop eating so much, go on diet, do something about these extra pounds and get perfect/bikini body
- Stop worrying about everything all the time
- Get rid of debt, stop spending, start saving
- Find time to see family and friends
In reality, these types of promises, are hard to keep. They mean more work and sacrifice.
So, we fail to accomplish because we do not have enough time, energy or plain self (iron) discipline. We fail because we don't want to add more complications to our already complicated (overweight, unhealthy, stressed, in debt, and lonely) life.
Should we give up and stop making any future New Year's resolutions?
Having no personal goals to achieve, would be a sad step back in one's life. We need something to look forward to and we need an accomplishment. Accomplishment brings satisfaction and happiness. Happy, are fulfilled people, they are more likely to be healthy, and successful in life, overall.
How to define our New Year's Resolutions and succeed?
Small and simple steps make the biggest difference in life.
Why not set a few relevant, easy to achieve goals for the New Year, instead?
Consider these....
Before you begin to think of what you must be, or do, look at your existing, finer side, first.
While nobody's perfect, everybody does have a good side. Let this good side of yours help build your daily life with respect, and appreciation of yourself, your community, and the beautiful nature around us.
Tell me what you eat, and I'll tell you what you are (Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin)
Good food need not come from fancy restaurants or upmarket stores. Good food is the one, that's got pedigree, you know what it is, and where it comes from. Simple, locally grown food makes the best source of supply. It motivates area farmers to deliver quality produce, stimulates the economy, and delivers best, freshest, and most nutritious value for your money. Visit your local farmers' markets, and co-ops, often. You'll be amazed at the choice, available. Once a week trip will help you appreciate fresh, local goods, again, and the setting, and slower pace there might just help you get rid of the stress accumulated through daily commuting, and work.
Shift from Disposable to Recycling Society
Recycling is an easy, and right thing to do. It will save you a little bit of money, too. If you have a garden, organic kitchen waste, such as fruit peels, eggshells, coffee grinds, teabag contents, etc. can all be utilized there. Instead of traditional composting in a pile, simply bury the daily leftovers* 1 foot deep, in different garden locations. As they decompose, they will attract worms. Worms will fertilize and improve quality of your garden soil. That means less money spent on trash disposal, garden fertilizers, and having to deal with vermin. If you live in the country, consider having a few chickens, -it's easily done, and very rewarding, too. HOW TO START MY OWN KITCHEN GARDEN , KITCHEN GARDEN IDEAS
Frugal, is a smart household
Frugality and sustainability go hand in hand. Teach your children how to appreciate, and respect food. When in season, take them to "pick your own" fruit, and vegetable farms, to acquire good produce, there. Collecting, and saving fruit, and vegetables together will amount to lots of meaningful fun, and household savings.
Turn yours, to an edible garden
Gooseberries, blueberries, strawberries, and apple trees, are not just beautiful, but also practical. Include fruit trees, shrubs, edible flowers, and easy to grow greens to enjoy, year round.
EDIBLE GARDEN
*Animal leftovers, such as meat, and bones, even if buried, will attract pets, and pests, so avoid these.
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References
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors: bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), husin.sani/CC 2.0, Jasmine&Roses, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., TMR Davies, W.D. Williams
