Good-bye Resolutions, Hello Reality Checks

Welcome to 2020! I am still reeling in the fact it’s not only a new year but we have a new decade ahead of us. There is something so pure and satisfying about starting fresh. A renewed sense of hope, excitement and optimism fill our thoughts as we look to begin executing on our resolutions. Whether you have resolved to lose weight, eat healthier, quit smoking, start being more patient or read more, what you really need is a reality check not a resolution.

Let’s start with the basic definition of resolution: a firm decision to do or not do something. Every day we make numerous “resolutions” as we go about our business. Maybe the word “firm” is a bit strong for our daily efforts but we make many decisions either to do or not do something as part of our normal course of living. So why must we put such emphasis on creating these significant resolutions at the turn of a year or decade only to fall short much of the time and then feel bad or disappointed.

As I was nearing the end of 2019, I was given a number of reality checks that have influenced my entrance into 2020. My first was that NYE is not just a big party or celebration. I always put so much on this holiday that it was difficult to ever meet my expectations. This year was different. I was preparing for a significant surgery to take place on the 2nd of January.

For those of you who have had any surgical procedure before, you can appreciate what that means in terms of preparation. For me, it meant a New Years Eve consisting of staying home, watching movies with my family and ringing in the new year well before 10:00 pm. New Years Day, which is usually filled with lots of football party food and friends consisted of a liquid diet, anxiety, a bit of fear and a date with my couch. It was in those moments I was reminded you don’t have to go big to celebrate and have fun and my health is never a guarantee. Neither of those are going to cause me to do or not do something but they were both necessary reality checks.

My next reality check has been lurking with me since I left the hospital. As I was preparing myself for surgery, I was confident I would be back on my feet and running rather quickly. I was convinced that being in good, physical shape and having a strong willed (stubborn) mindset would expedite my recovery. Boy was I ever wrong. Every single day my body is reminding it needs time. Time to allow the surgery to take hold, to heal, gain strength and fully recover.

This is incredibly difficult for me. As someone who lacks patience, I have a heightened need for immediacy. My mind and body need to be constantly moving and in flow in order for me to feel ‘normal”. I get bored very easily and don’t find reading relaxing. Lastly, I am not good at asking for or accepting assistance. Do I feel it demonstrates weakness? Maybe. Do I feel like I am being a bother to my family? Maybe. Am I just being stubborn and difficult? Maybe. Am I afraid to let people see a version of me that is messy? Maybe.

What I do know for sure is this….my reality checks have gotten me to look at things (life), through a different lens. To slow down and to admit my approach may not always be the best. To not be afraid to let people see me at my best and my worst. Am I going to sit down and declare resolutions for the new year and blast them for the world to see? To hold myself accountable to something that has a low probability of success from the start? Absolutely not. Don’t be mistaken though. I love taking risks, being uncomfortable, being held accountable to high standards and being pushed to new limits. For me though, the greatest opportunity for success is to take it one day at a time. To believe emphatically in whatever it is I am trying to accomplish. To recognize my imperfections and not only accept them but embrace them and leverage them in my quest for success. Then to use these experiences to influence how I respond to situations and people.

So many of us go through our days so focused on what’s ahead, we forget to enjoy what’s right in front of us. Every day is a new lease on life. You don’t need to wait for the turn of a new year or decade to think or behave differently You can choose to be different or start fresh any day. Sometimes you just need a good reality check to inspire, motivate or simply kick you in in the butt. I am now officially chasing the best version of myself and I have a bit of catch up to play. Especially given I am currently horizontal on a couch with an icepack placed carefully across my abdomen 😉

So buckle up, get ready and watch out. I will be on the loose again soon and I hope you will be too. Until next time!

Mama Llama a.k.a Lisa