I prefer to accept my life as it is rather than deal with the guilt of having made a resolution and given it up. And that’s why I love this post by Joanne McGonagle on her blog From Freezer to Field.
In her post, Joanne states that research indicates our subconscious is better at remembering unfinished tasks than completed ones. She goes on to say that our subconscious actually moves our accomplishments to the back burner while the remnants of our resolutions move to the forefront. The end result is increased stress and decreased self-esteem.
Joanne suggests that one way to keep our subconscious from sidetracking us is to reject resolutions, reduce material clutter and count our blessings. Research has shown that individuals with a sense of gratitude are less materialistic and more satisfied with their life.
I began this path about 12 years ago when I was going through a major life change and doing a lot of reading about happiness, simplicity and frugal living. What I’ve learned is that I am a much happier person when I focus on who I am, what I’ve done and what I have rather than the opposite.
I've learned that it does not take a lot to make me happy – food, clothing, shelter, friends, family, pets, a job I enjoy and my health. These are the basics I need to live a happy life.
Adopting this attitude is freeing - there is so much that clutters up our lives, and when we let it go, we can see that we really have everything we need right here.
So that is my New Year’s gift to you. Give up resolutions and accept what you have. And do read Joanne’s post – it may start you down a path of your own!
Thank you, Vicki. That's a lovely gift. It's funny, I was talking to a woman at the gym yesterday who told me that she and her family had been involved in 3 car accidents in 2011. She was hoping that 2012 would be better, automotively speaking. I asked if everyone in her family was ok. She said yes, no one had a scratch. I said, Well then, you've had a really good year. She agreed.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't until later that it occurred to me that I need to take my own advice.
Happy New Year you guys!!!! woo woo woo!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI love it! I will resolve to be grateful this year. Oops ♥ Very good advice! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! I too try to remember to be grateful.
ReplyDeleteYet another thing I want to learn from animals is to be present in the moment. Making resolutions keeps us living in the future and regretting the past--we end up thinking about everything but the present.
Gave up making New Year's resolutions years ago myself - it's the daily activities (including mental)that count. You are spot on here with what is important...thanks! And Happy New Year to you, too!
ReplyDeleteLove this post Vicki. Thanks for sharing the information from Joanne McGonagle. Very interesting. Of course, as soon as I read your synopsis I realized she was right. When I have done resolutions in the past I always looked at what I failed to do versus what I had done. I like to do the same thing as you. I count my blessings and I also enjoy the smaller things in life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this great info. Happy New Year!
I agree with you....but...I think that having gratitude and accepting what you have shouldn't make you be satisfied with the status quo.
ReplyDeleteWe should all keep evolving, changing, growing.
I agree about not making "resolutions"...I prefer "intentions"..."Intentions" aren't rigid and can be adjusted as we go along.
That being said, "an attitude of gratitude" IS of the utmost important but don't ever stop growing, changing, evolving and learning!
I agree that we should continue to learn, grow and evolve as individuals. What I am advocating is giving up the clutter in our lives - both physical and mental - that weighs us down and keeps us from appreciating what we already have.
ReplyDeleteVicki, I love this! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful 2012 and the happiest of new years! xo
Thank you for sharing the post from the blog From Freezer to Field. Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your two year anniversary! Thanks for always being such an inspiring blogger and thought leader!
ReplyDeleteThis post is right on! Giving up nearly all of our personal possessions in 2011 helped us realize how little we need to be content. I prefer the word content to happy - but i think we both mean the same thing. Hapiness to me is more fleeting - a big piece of chocolate cake might make me happy, but I think of contentment as more lasting.
ReplyDeleteAmy - Merriam-Webster defines contented as "feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status or situation," and defines happiness as "a state of well-being or contentment". So contentment may actually be a better word choice!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
ReplyDeleteResolution is just a word. Start making goal in life and achieve it.
I love this idea. So important to look on the bright side and not get bogged down in what we don't have.
ReplyDeletePet Insurance - resolution is just a word, but I think the words we choose impact our state of mind and view of the world. Goals are good, but so is appreciating what you already have.
ReplyDeleteAJ - I agree. We have so much in our lives and yet we rarely "stop to smell the roses." Slow down, live your life with intent, and become aware of the difference between "I want" and "I need".