In fact, most resolutions are always tough. We design them that way. We pick the hardest possible thing we can usually think of and promise ourselves that we will finally DO THIS!
We guarantee ourselves that this is going to be the year that we finally get back in the size that we want to fit into. You remember- that size that at the time you thought was huge (and now you'd give just about anything to finally zip back up). We promise ourselves that we will finally kick the nicotine habit (which I have never had to try to quit but I imagine it's not easy). We tell ourselves that we'll spend less money and more time on this and that and the other thing....
It's exhausting to think about, let alone to actually follow through and do.
So while I know we're a little late in the resolution-making timeline here, can I make a suggestion? Instead of setting ourselves up to try and overcome these huge obstacles that we may fail at year after year after year....let's change this up for 2015.
For your health, you can (and should) stick to eating better and smoking less (but I know you don't need me harping on you about that). But what about for your mind? More specifically: your peace of mind.
I think we all get so caught up in one thing or another in life that we sometimes forget to just take the time and do something for ourselves. Something that makes us feel good. Something that may challenge us or enlighten us or stimulate us or relax us. Something that allows us to totally immerse ourselves in an experience completely foreign to us but still exciting. Something new.
I guess I got my jump start on this Do Something New For Me resolution without even planning it. I came across this great little place called Palette and Pub in December that offered a painting class which caught my eye.
Let me back things up by telling you that my skillset is minimal. I can decorate cakes with the best of them. But as far as singing, drawing, sculpting, paint-by-numbers, remembering things I need to remember, driving a stick shift, packing a suitcase on time that doesn't weigh eight bazillion pounds? Yeah, I pretty much suck at all those.
But I saw this painting class and I thought, "You know what? I'm going to do that. I am probably going to be terrible at it. I'll probably never be able to even hang my picture on the wall. But I am taking a 'Me' day and I'm going to try it. What's the worst that can happen? I may hate it. So what? I won't know unless I try. And it might be a disaster."
And what I would usually do at this point in time is keep putting it off and putting it off until the class came and went, totally missing it altogether. But I didn't. My December was booked solid, but I immediately paid for the class and wrote it in my daily planner. That way I knew I couldn't change my mind. I wrote it in pen (and you know that's serious). And I geared up to paint.
I left the class that day with some new décor and a sense of accomplishment. I had done something new. I had done something for me that I wanted to do. And it felt so good.
I loved it so much, in fact, that I even went out and bought some supplies and made another painting for a gift.
I just know that life is so hectic and stressful at times. I don't want another year to go by where you forget about you. So give something new a try for you. Don't be scared and don't put it off. Because you just never know what could happen. Sometimes all you need is a fresh coat of paint.....
Want to join me at Palette and Pub for an exclusive painting night to create this masterpiece? I'm hosting this fantastic evening full of prizes, plenty of liquid inspiration, and lots of fun. Just click the picture to sign up for the class. You'll be so glad that you did.