Article of the Month - January 2007
New Year, New You.
New Year resolutions.
New, according to the Longman dictionary, means:
- only recently made or begun
- different from the one before
The New Year means we get used to writing/typing 2007, no more 2006. It is a big calendar event and we use this time to look internally and come up with our resolutions.
Resolution, according to the Longman dictionary, means:
- formal decision (at a meeting, e.g.)
- firm decision
- quality of being resolute, firm or determined in purpose
Put these two ideas together and suddenly, we have a lot of people taking a look at what they would like to change and making a resolution to change it. Couple that with after Christmas indulgence, having little money and big credit card bills, the cold and dark season, well, I would suggest that the new year is not always the best time to make resolutions. The Chinese recommend detoxification in the spring. As the days get brighter, longer and warmer, and the seasons become lively, it would seem a far more ideal time to make those resolutions.
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So, what motivates someone to make a resolution? Typical resolutions are stop smoking, lose weight, become healthier, get out of debt, work smarter not harder, etc. The New Year and that repeated 2007 on every memo, letter, diary, etc. has become very significant in our culture. We critically look at ourselves, determine what needs to fixed, and then with purpose we make our resolution that 2007 is the year that I quit cigarettes/drinking so much, lose weight, get a promotion/new job, etc.
Everyone is on a journey of development and knowledge. We need to care for our bodies and our spirits. It is always good to self-assess, but it is important to balance accepting and loving ourselves with motivating ourselves to grow and improve. Resolutions can form an effective part of this process if done properly. Whatever needs improving is our bodies’ and minds’ way of asking for something? Addicted to nicotine? What do you really need that cigarettes replace? Eat too much? What comfort or nourishment is food giving you that you need from somewhere else? A little introspection and understanding can go a long way to helping with our resolutions and equipping us with more than just willpower. Because, most of the times, willpower just is not enough.
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Get in touch with yourself by taking a few moments to ponder those habits or thought patterns that you have grown to dislike or realise that are harmful. When did they start? What does it give you that find difficult finding elsewhere? What would it mean to stop? What coping mechanisms will you need? How does this process teach me more about myself so that I can let it go and just evolve?
Tips for sticking to resolutions:
- Don’t isolate the resolution and ban that part of yourself. Have a deep think about why you have developed this habit/negative aspect. What is it giving you? What do you need instead?
- Write down the resolution and plan how to you intend to stick with it. Chances are, you’ve tried it before and so you know the typical difficult stages and potential failure points. What measures can you put in place to ensure that you don’t fail? E.g. chocolate craving – use Emotional Freedom Technique, read a good book, have a cuddle, call a friend, etc.
- If you don’t stick with it, don’t give up. Examine what went wrong and try again. Use what you have learned and think about measures to stop it from happening again.
- Have a support network – use your friends and family. Keep a diary. Talk to someone whose been through it or are doing with you.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help, be it from your doctor, check the internet or your local homoeopath, counselor, therapist, etc.
In terms of homoeopathy, there are many remedies to help you to cut down smoking, drinking, sugar cravings, emotional needs, etc. Emotional freedom technique and kinesiology can also help with understanding and dealing with addictions and other negative patterns of behaviour. The right foods can also help deal with addictions and help to curb cravings and of course, are essential to any weight loss plan. Ask for help, don’t be afraid. Get the information you need to move on and evolve. With the right food, therapy and knowledge, you can keep your new years resolution.
