Resolution Road
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 10:47AM 
Let’s face it, New Year’s resolutions are just another way to end the joy of the holiday season and transition us back to the reality of getting up early, packing lunches, and negotiating sibling fights vicious enough for Vince Mahon and his wrestling empire. According to Wikipedia, only 12 percent of people actually succeed at their resolutions, so what’s the point?
The fact is I can’t even go down resolution road. Once I head into the whole eat less, exercise more, breathe deeper mode, a black hole of flaws shows its ugly face. The things that I would like to change most are not even changeable. For example, I wish I wasn’t so clumsy and didn’t bump into people or trip down stairs. Sure I could study ballet and Tai-Chi, but believe me, it wouldn’t make a difference. And how about my desire to be more patient? Years ago, I studied meditation in a Buddhist monastery and still emerged anxious and impatient.
Realizing my own failure to keep resolutions, I have changed my strategy this year. Instead of making resolutions, I am taking inventory of what worked for my family and me throughout the year:
Television Time: At the beginning of the school year, my husband and I decided to limit television viewing to the weekends. Crazy, I know, but it had to be done. I could no longer take the voodoo trance that television placed upon my girls. When I called them to dinner, they were sullen, whiny and practically immobile. If only television could hypnotize children to listen to parents more, our TV hours would change.
Carpool Currency: I can’t say enough good things about my decision to start carpooling. I am lucky because my carpool buddy and I are close friends. We don’t freak out when one of us is late, which is almost every day. I’ve heard about carpool nightmares with moochy moms and irritable dads that would make a good sitcom but a harsh reality. Two to three times a week, I get to stay in my pajamas for at least another hour. Pure gold, I tell you.
Doctor, Doctor, give me the news: When I was a kid, I went to the doctor every week for allergy shots. You can imagine my enthusiasm for doctors. (Strangely enough, I did marry one.) As the years clicked by, I have started to do the whole check-up, blood work thing. In order to be a good mom, I need as many prescriptions and physical therapy sessions necessary to keep my decaying body in tip-top shape. Preserving my mind is another story.
Going Green: This year, I added living green to my to-do list, which completely stressed me out. What can I say? Trash and landfills keep me awake at night. I finally weaned my family off plastic bottles and bought reusable water bottles. Of course, now my eight year old covets the occasional plastic bottle and carries it around for weeks. I also stopped using paper towels, which has not only saved trees, but money.
Next year, I want to plan my meals better, spend more time with my kids and read some interesting books. Smells like a resolution, doesn’t it? Research studies do show that eating chocolate on a daily basis is good for your cholesterol and heart. Now, that’s a resolution I can sink my teeth into and succeed.
Reader Comments (1)