Mindful, according the the Merriam-Webster online dictionary is simply to "be inclined to be aware". I often refer to mindfulness in relation to making and keeping New Year Resolutions (aka Daily Resolves) because being in touch with the present moment is a very useful practice if you want to successfully achieve your goals.
The moment of pure 'decision' - deciding and then defining what you want to do, why you want to do it and how you are going to proceed with a resolution are but two important steps in the journey. Once you decide to act, define your intention, and build a practical strategy that lays out clear steps - you actually have to 'act' by taking those small steps each and every day. Being mindful of what you are doing, as you are doing it - feeling the joy, the challenge, the creativity - learning a new skill, making progress, having fun, achieving - is what keeps you going day after day.
In my seven year journey to learn what works and what doesn't work in making and keeping New Year Resolutions, the obvious - what we already know - is all too often ignored: if you truly do not want to pursue a resolution; if there is no fire in the belly; if you aren't passionate and driven to achieve, succeed, be challenged, and have fun with your resolution more days than not - don't bother, don't waste your time. When you have true desire and passion success comes naturally even when you have to overcome multiple obstacles. When you add mindfulness to the mix - living in the moment and embracing all your senses as you take daily steps toward making your resolution a reality and a permanent part of your life (a Lifetime Resolution) - the joy, fulfillment and sense of achievement is much greater. It is like coloring in big, bold creative strokes with your favorite crayon, then stepping back to look at your masterpiece!
With that in mind, I intend to mindfully 'Embrace My Senses, Sights, Sounds, Smells', as part of my Third Annual I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. Why not join me? The objective is very simple: Do at least one thing each and every day to promote health and happiness for 'YOU'. Banish the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'. Instead, make every day New Year's Day. Make every day count with 'daily resolves'. The list of possibilities is infinite and can be tailored to your own dreams, resolutions and daily goals. If you need some help - a little nudge, a bit of inspiration, tips, advice, and news about the best ways to make resolutions a reality - please use IResolveTo.Com as one of your resources. To see my personal 'Health & Happiness Tapestry', click through my 2009-2011 Photo-Resolutions, each one documents my journey toward greater health and happiness! Resolve365 in 2011.
To better organize myself, each weekend I am posting a Daily Resolve 'To Do List' - at least seven resolutions from my 'Health & Happiness Tapestry' that I plan to achieve, and I will undoubtedly throw in some new ones along the way. My Daily Resolve 'To Do List' is one more way to focus and track the small daily steps that I take toward health and happiness. For decades, I have tracked my dreams, resolutions and daily resolves in my journal and on my calendars with colorful stars. Here are the 'Daily Resolve' highlights for the week:
I RESOLVE TO . . .
- Have a 'Can Do' attitude (check).
- Hydrate - drink plenty of water (check).
- Remeber Breakfast, very important meal (check)!
- Savor my morning coffee and 'time to think' (check).
- Dream large and follow through with small daily steps (check)!
- Make time for 'me' - head out for a Friday Night Movie date (check).
- Create: write, practice my photography and have loads of fun along the way (check)!
The whole purpose of Daily Resolves is to mindfully inject a small bits of joy and healthy habits into each and every day. The small daily steps do add up to big results over time because they are concrete and manageable (which helps to eliminate the fear factor and sense of being overwhelmed). That said, what is really important is 'right now' - enjoying each and every moment of the journey toward health, happiness and making dreams a reality!
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
Need More Inspiration? Wear Your Resolution By Visiting The I Resolve To . . . Shop At CafePress: IResolve To . . . Resolutionista Gear And By Joining The Official I Resolve To . . . Group At Gather.Com. Get going on your 2011 New Year Resolutions with the I Resolve To . . . Worksheet 2011. View my 2009-2011 Health & Happiness Tapestry by clicking through Daily Resolve Photo-Resolutions.
Kim M. Simpson - April 10, 2011
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