New Years in September

The start of the New Year has long since passed, and no doubt some of those January 1 resolutions have collected a thick layer of dust on the shelves of our minds. What seemed so clearly necessary in late December may be acknowledged now, but the urgency has dissipated. No problem! The first of January is a good time to take some inventory of how we are spending our time and resources and how we’re treating ourselves. But it’s really an artificial benchmark, right? In truth, every day is an opportunity to start over or start something completely new. Even The Psalms proclaim that God’s mercies are new every morning, so we can in a sense leave the troubles of yesterday and focus on the day at hand. We’ve all seen the bumper sticker encouraging us to take “one day at a time.” Wise people plan for the future but are aware that today must be lived now.

One of the amazing things about being human is that we are not obligated to simply do whatever a feeling or desire tells us. Our large brains have the gray matter that helps us reason, make choices, determine the best course of action, etc. So each day – really, each moment – provides an opportunity to make a change, start something new, or restart that thing we used to do. Those 50+ Years in age might remember the old Total™ cereal commercial that proclaimed, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life!” Of course, in order for that to happen you had to start the day with a bowl of this cereal. If it were only that easy!

New Years in September

So, I propose a 2/3 year’s resolution, New Years on September 1! Why not? Here are some areas where you can pick up on that mid-winter promise you made to yourself:

Get Physical

Start a Walking Program – Treat yourself to some new walking/running shoes and keep them as your special shoes for only that activity. Start with a short but doable distance. Every couple of weeks, increase the distance by 10-20% until you work up to 150 minutes in a week divided up in what way most fits with your schedule. Schedule that time and let only emergencies disrupt that reservation. Can’t walk far? Consider a stationary bike using the same principle of low and slow.

Yoga or Pilates class – These classes focus on flexibility and strength that will help you function day-to-day. While they can be intimidating at first, find a beginner’s class with an encouraging atmosphere and commit to it twice weekly. Reassess in 6 months if you are feeling better than you did when you started.

Martial Arts – this is a broad category including everything from the tame Tai Chi to brazen Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Research what you think would fit with your ultimate goals and join a class. The opportunity to advance is likely different and easier than what you might think. Often strong friendships are formed in these studios.

Personal Trainer – If you feel you would like more individualized attention as you begin your pursuit of better fitness, consider this option. It is usually a bit more expensive but may be a better choice for a newbie. Consider www.visionarytrainingsystems.com.

Lose the LB’s

Start a Program – The weight management options are many (and confusing!). The best seems to be those that offer counseling and support along the way. Many now have online options. Consider online options like Noom, W (the new Weight Watchers), or in person local options like a private nutritionist or the Trimline program. I have criticisms of all of them to some degree, but it would be helpful to get started with a commitment to something and get started.

Plan – The single most important element to the success of any weight loss program is to plan for the meals and snacks to be consumed in the next week. Forewarned is forearmed. Take one day a week and plan the next 7 days.

Focus on Nutrition – Dr. Joel Fuhrman in his book, Eat to Live, bids us to remember our fractions and consume foods with a high “nutrition quotient” = nutrients/calories. Fruits and vegetables provide the largest amount of nutrients with the least number of calories, so load up on them.

Long Term Vision– Long and slow is the recipe for diet success. Avoid extremes and look for ways to eat that you can sustain for a lifetime. Allow for celebrations, but don’t fall for the error that in order to really have fun or celebrate you have to overeat. And don’t panic when you mess up.

Get Creative

Music Lessons – Have you always wanted to play a certain instrument? Why not start now? It’s not too late at any age. Be patient with yourself, though, especially if you choose an instrument that requires air from your lungs forced into some kind of tube. The learning curve is steep at first! Stick with it and keep listening to professionals playing that instrument for inspiration.

Join a Choir – There are several local choirs available for all different levels of singing skill. Look them up and sign up! Research shows that members of choirs have less stress than the average person. Now isn’t that music to the ears?

Ballroom Dancing – Get in touch with your inner Fred & Ginger! Have you and your partner always wanted to learn how to cut the rug like you see in the movies? Find a local studio and get started.

Art Class – Maybe you have always wanted to learn how to draw, paint, weave, or create pottery. Do it now! Without the pressure of a grade at the end of the course, you can be free to let the creative juices flow. Bonus: this will broaden your social circle where you will have the chance to meet different people who bring new perspectives to your life.

Smarts

Take that Class – Have you always wanted to study something in more detail? We live in the midst of several universities that offer all kinds of night and online classes. Unlike when you “had” to take some classes to get that degree, take a different approach and see if you can pick a class just because you desire to learn more.

Start that Hobby – If you uttered the words, “I’ve always wanted to learn to…,” why not make this time you pursue that? Start with an online search or talk to someone you know who’s already doing that thing. Often people with certain hobbies are more than happy to share what they know, often with enthusiasm!

Finish that degree- Just a few more credits to go? Make that call, register, and finish that race – even if for no other reason than to simply say you did.

The categories listed above are just a handful of the innumerable areas where change can be initiated. Maybe you’ve been thinking about pursuing a different career, calling up that old friend, planning that trip, reading more, etc. The opportunities are there. Wherever you are, start there. But do something. You’ll feel great knowing you got the process started.

One more word of advice: In a world where we can get things quickly and relatively effortlessly, all the areas listed above are examples of things that do not happen quickly. It is essential to remember that in most things of lasting value slow and steady wins the race. As Amy Grant instructed us years ago, “It takes a little time sometimes, to turn the Titanic around.” It’s important to mix enthusiasm with realistic expectations. It’s the resolve to run the race despite the hurdles that bring us to the finish line. So, take the first step out of the proverbial door and start. Do it today. It could be the most life-changing thing you do!