Any Resolutions This New Year?

Hello fellow bees! It has been sometime since I wrote last. Life had kept me pretty occupied to let me write on those umpteen thoughts that crept into my mind when I lay awake, staring at the ceiling at night, before hitting the zzz's. 

Now that we are finally wrapping up 2017, I thought that I need to write. One last buzz, this year. I need to share with this community my thoughts and ideas that they have so lovingly encouraged and boosted. So, here I am, talking to you about resolutions, today. 

We all (well most of us) make some resolution at the beginning of each year. It could be exercise more, lose weight, read more, eat right, cut down on alcohol, maintain a journal, learn a new language, and the list goes on. But, New Year Resolutions are famous for being something that remains unfulfilled, almost always. I wondered, why so?

Here's the thing, most people confuse the term resolution, with a promise to self. There is clear difference between the 2 words. 

Resolution, as the dictionary states it, is a firm decision to do or not to do something and the quality of being determined or resolute.

Promise, on the other hand, is a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.

There is NOT a very thin line between a firm decision and an assurance. We need to make our hearts and minds understand that first. When we take a resolution, we are not promising ourselves anything, we are taking a decision for the betterment of our lives. 

The saying "Promises are meant to be broken" is often associated with resolutions. I have seen many people use it as a ready excuse for why they budged from their path of self-improvement. So nipping this thought in the bud would be a good start. 

Next, it is important (extremely) to understand that a resolution is for "your self". We are not doing anyone a favor by running 5 miles, or reading 30 books, eating right, and living well. We are doing a favor, yes, to ourselves the most, followed by the people who are close to us, our families. They will definitely benefit from having a happy and healthy person around them, well-read, someone whom they can bank on. But all this is secondary. We need to understand that we should honor ourselves, our bodies, our health, and our intellect. 

If this seems like a difficult task, then think of you telling someone to quit something knowing that it is pretty bad for them, and then when they don't listen to you, it tears you apart to see them putting their health at stake. Another example, your child binging on junk food when you so want them to have green veggies and healthy protein, instead. 

We stop seeing that for ourselves, as we are truly, one and the same person. But the moment you see what you are doing wrong to yourself or what you can do better, you will start taking your decision of betterment even more seriously. 

Resolutions are not a bucket-list item that we can check-off once and be done with it. It is a continuous affair, a habit that we must get used to. It is often said that if we continue doing the same thing for 21 days then it successfully becomes a habit. Try the same with your resolution. The moment you commit to those 21 days and start seeing some results, there is a high chance you will become addicted to your new and better way of life, and that is one good addiction. 

The reason I am sharing these thoughts is because by the grace of God, I have been able to stick to my resolutions and even take on new ones throughout the year. I work a full-time job, run a consultancy (that includes weekends) and am a mom to a 21-month old (you can imagine). I have benefitted by adopting this point of view and I wish to spread the word hoping others benefit from it, too. 

My closing words for this last buzz, this year: Love yourself the most and keep yourself happy. You deserve happiness and good health. Thank you so much for being such an awesome community, for giving me this space to share my thoughts. I am truly grateful to be a part of beBee. Cheers and wish you all a very Happy & Prosperous New Year!

A content writer and marketer by profession, I have a knack for marketing, technology, and languages. When I am not doing anything related to the above three, you will find me on my spiritual quest. For me life is about continuous learning till the end of days. 

My motto: "There is no bigger pleasure than going to bed, everyday, a little bit wiser and happier than you woke up that morning."

You can find out more about me and my works at: www.proma-nautiyal.com