Pody's column: Making resolutions stick

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Recently we’ve read and heard a lot about New Year’s Resolutions. You know the ones to lose weight, work out, buy and cook healthier, spend more time with the family, quit smoking, etc. By the end of February, only 10 percent have not slipped back into their old habits.

People make it work for a while, but soon lose interest and quit.  Like one man said, “You feel God took his eyes off the road for a second and you are back where you started.”

When you make a resolution next year make sure it is so tangible, you can accept it without question.  Some days a dark feeling takes over and it will take a Herculean effort to keep going.

I think of some resolutions that have worked.  I will take one day a week and not watch television but rather read a good book, I will forget my troubles and smile.  I will make a firm effort to call one person a day and make their day brighter.  I will learn one new thing on my computer a day. I will cook at least one dish for dinner with fresh fruits or vegetables.  I will watch the birds as they come north. The robins and meadowlarks are back already this year.

I will share a good joke with a friend or family member every day.  My mother made this her resolution one year.  After my youngest sister went off to college, January and February were down months for her.  She always told us that a healthy heart is a happy heart.  People needed to have a good belly laugh once a day and with that she started a list of jokes and people who needed her call.

I will bake or cook and share with someone who is down on their luck.  I will pray for my family, friends, our military, their families and for our country every day. I will give thanks for what I have not what I want.  I will buy only what I need and not go shopping just to buy something.

I will  be less critical and find a reason to praise a person.  I’ll take time out to write a thank you note or thinking of you note. I will say “I love you.”

I will share good news and stop gossip. I will respect my limitations and not stress myself out.

I will find a volunteer activity where I can make a difference.  I remember a friend who retired and spent winters in the Valley of Texas. It would be her new year’s resolution to contact the elementary schools and the parks filled with winter Texans.  When school started after Christmas she had mentors in all the private  elementary schools in the Valley.  They could sign up for one, two days or all week if they wanted to.  It made such a difference, the public schools asked for mentors. She found retired people in so many areas and her legacy in the Valley continues long after she started it.

Winter Texans with a wealth of knowledge, sharing with students in positive way. It didn’t take long before seniors were energized and realized what a experience it was for both. 

Next year if or when you make a resolution, remember it doesn’t have to be about you.  You can make good things happen and you won’t burn out.

Tags: opinion, rosemount, commentaries