As another year comes to an end, everywhere I turn people are beginning to talk about resolutions for the new year. Things they will change, things they will avoid, promises made that often don’t make it past February.
While I don’t think all resolutions are bad, I think I get too caught up in trying to find the “perfect resolution” that will somehow catapult my year into the best one yet. So this year, for 2010, I’m setting a goal. A goal that will help me refocus and ultimately define.
Everyday, for 365 days (not a leap year so I don’t get off easy), I am going to write down something I am thankful that my body can DO. I am going to make a conscious effort to focus on what my body can DO, and not just how it looks.
Do you have any resolutions or goals for 2010? Will you join me in mine?
-Courtney
What a great idea! I was thinking of taking a picture for each day (so totaling 365 pictures by the end of the year) of something I think is beautiful that would normally NOT be classified as beautiful. I wish you the best with your resolution!
wow!! thats an AMAZING goal! I will definitely join you in that! Oddly enough, I havent even thought of a New Year’s resolution. Actually, i completely forgot! Although, now that I am thinking about it, I’d probably have to go with not procrastinating. Thats a huge problem I have. It always ends in me stressing, losing sleep, and not doing as well as I could have with whatever it is. Thanks for reminding me Courtney. =)
I think we spend so much focus on wanting to reshape our bodies when what we really need is to reshape our minds – We could snap our fingers and have our ideal body/face – etc… but the person inside will still be the same – that means the insecurity will find a way to be uncomfortable – If we allow ourselves to grow in self-esteem we will become comfortable with what we were given rather than being envious of others who probably have their own self-esteem issues… My New Years resolution is to get my self-image in shape – and a daily practice is a great idea – thanks!
I don’t have New Years Resolutions, I have what I call New Years Substitutions, which is like using milk instead of cream in my coffee, drinking juice instead of soda, baked potato instead of french fries. I’m not doing this for weight loss purposes, I am doing this for health reasons. I’m still going to look at my body the same way I look at it today, and I will still appreciate everything it does for me, but I am going to start treating it just a little bit better.
I love this idea, Courtney! You, and everyone else at TMOOH, are such inspirations in the fight for a healthy body image. Keep it up!
My resolution is also going to be to focus on what my body can “do,” and to focus on ways that I can work with my body to achieve my goals, instead of constantly fighting against it. My body has given me the ability to practice yoga, which has completely changed my life. This gift has taught me to respect what my body can do for me.
In the practice of yoga we are taught to look beyond our bodies, into our souls and the souls of others. I would like this to be the focus of my new year. My thought for the new year is a common translation for the word Namaste: “The soul in me sees the soul in you, and it is beautiful and I respect it.”
Thanks, Leslie! I love yoga and always feel so calm and relaxed afterwards…I need more of that in my life.
couldn’t agree more. I’m on day 11 of getting my self-image in shape and the daily reminder has been great.
Ashley that is a great idea! I would love to see some of those pictures. Are you posting them somewhere?
Every New Year I always make resolutions which I never end up keeping so this year I decided to go for something simple which can still have a big effect. My resolution is to look in the mirror everyday and compliment myself, whether on my physical appearance or my personality. So far I’m sticking to it and it’s really making a difference for me. I’ve been a lot happier these past two weeks just from the compliments I give myself. They are such a mood booster and have improved my confidence and self esteem and have helped me believe that I truly am beautiful, inside and out. I have also made it a point to compliment someone else everyday, stranger or friend, because one little comment can change someone’s day.