Create a New Year's theme instead of resolutions

In my earlier post, "Have you considered not having any resolutions related to losing weight", I suggested that you give yourself a break and not have one resolution related to your body. In the comments, Ducky stated that she doesn't do resolutions per say but that she does a theme for the year. Her theme for 2007 is "Caring for the Temple". I thought that was a totally cool idea to skip specific resolutions all together and just have a theme for the year.

In fact, I only had one resolution for 2006 and that was "Be Authentic." In hindsight, that was actually more of a theme than a single resolve. Being authentic for me was about being real and myself, but it also translated to other things in my life like food, the environment, and exercise.

For example, in the area of food, I decided to eat mostly authentic food which were basically foods that had no artificial ingredients. When it came to exercise, I stopped going to the gym because when I got authentic about my feelings about the gym, I realized that I was exercising for an ideal image of beauty instead of for actual health or fitness reasons. I had to find another form of exercise that I actually have fun with and enjoy. In truth, I haven't found "it" yet.

A theme actually acts as an umbrella and can encompass ALL areas of your life. Whenever you have to make a decision about something, even something as small as what to eat for lunch, you can ask yourself, "Does this fall in line with my theme?" As an example, in Ducky's case, if she was deciding whether or not to eat a huge hunk of chocolate lava cake after a filling dinner she could ask herself, "Would eating this cake right now be caring for the temple?"  If no, then there's no reason to eat the cake. If yes, then she could go right ahead and keep in line with her goals.

So, for 2007, I decided that my theme is going to be "Living vibrant." What this means for me is to do things, be around people, and focus on stuff that makes me feel vibrant, will make my world a more vibrant place, or will help other people feel more vibrant. So far, I have started out small by buying 3 pairs of brightly colored socks with patterns. This might not be a big deal to most people but for me it is. If you look in my sock drawer, everything is black or white, kind of blah but practical. I have never been adventurous in socks, and so far, the bright colored socks adds a nice flair.

Try a theme this year. It could be something new and fun!

Comments

[Manola BBB]

Stephanie, just on the way back from the gym today I had a thought that the most important diet ingredient is self-love. My theme is similar to Ducky's and I am much more aware of what is going to serve me or not serve me throughout the day. I am totally into this idea of making every moment of the day come from a place of love and that this will translate into every aspect of my life. It is like a sustained 24/7 yoga practice. Even buying cute goofy socks can be mindful! I totally understand.

[Lara]

Stephanie!! I kind of did this with making 2007 the "Year of Me" in a way. I'm trying to focus on making sure whatever I decide to do, eat, wear, travel, visit, read, etc. is something that I really want to do, that makes me feel good. It's quite generic, but being that I'm so flip-floppy sometimes, it works for me.

BY THE WAY - I need to talk to you. Like, on the phone or something! I have some really (potentially) awesome news, and I actually have you to thank for it... any way you can email me a number or at least get on IM with me? I'm so freaking excited about this, and you're the one person who really needs to know about it! :)

Love ya girl - keep kickin' with the colorful skids! :)

[Meg]

I love this idea! Such an improvement on the typical "I hate this and this about me, so I'm vowing to change such and such" resolutions. I haven't yet decided which theme I'd like to choose, but you've given me some great ideas!

[Stephanie Quilao]

Manola you hit on a major point and that is to make decisions from a place of love. Those decisions tend to last, and make you feel calm and good inside.

Meg is right. Let's stop making change based on what we hate about ourselves. Let's be kinder and more loving to ourselves.

Lara, I sent you my digits. Call me ASAP because I'm now dying of curiousity ;-)

[Andrea Wren]

Hi Stephanie and all the best for 2007!

What a good idea to have a theme - I too have given up on individual resolutions. I think my theme, then, is: Positive Attitude

I'd like to look at applying this to the way I think about myself, others, my health, and my body/mind. But I'm happy to accept small changes will be enough!

Here's to ditching all resolutions to lose weight!

[Camy Tang]

My resolution this year has been spiritual--I'm trying to develop more trust in God. Often I just do things by myself and don't seek Him for guidance or for help. This year I want to trust Him more completely.

Camy

[jules]

Fantastic idea!
A Theme is much easier and more powerful than just a resolution!

Thanks for the inspiration!!!!
:-)

jules