I like the start of a new year. I always try to make some kind of resolution. In fact, I make resolutions year round…but the subject matter can vary from thoughtful to silly fun. In 2011, one of my resolutions was to stop being such a snob about the beer I drink. I was always drinking stout and IPA, and I said that I’d branch out and learn to appreciate different styles. I was glad I did because I discovered some very great beers!
The reason I do a “Best of” post at the end of each year is because I think it’s important to reflect on how far I’ve come each year. It’s cool to have a “best of” to look back and read for the last couple of years. One of my favorite yoga teachers, Rob Loud, was talking about the new year. He said that he is a completely different person than he was 15 years ago…almost unrecognizable in his journey. We change every day and every year, so it’s important to appreciate how far we’ve come and how much we’ve learned and endured. However, there is also a place for wanting to improve. Some peoples’ resolutions are more objective and concrete – lose 10 lbs, run a 45 minute 10K, etc. Others are a little more subjective and are about personality and the mind. My 2013 resolutions are a little more profound and focus on where I can improve in how I live day to day.
| Main Entry: |
resolution
 [rez-uh-loo-shuh n] |
| Part of Speech: | noun |
| Definition: | determination, strong will |
| Synonyms: | aim, boldness, constancy, courage,dauntlessness, decidedness,decision,declaration,dedication,
doggedness,earnestness, energy, firmness, fixed purpose,fortitude, guts*, heart*, immovability, intent,intention, judgment, obstinacy,perseverance, pluck, purpose, purposefulness,purposiveness, relentlessness, resoluteness, resolve,settlement, sincerity, spirit, spunk,staunchness, staying power, steadfastness, |
1. Stillness
I’m a busy body. I am the person who packs her schedule so every minute is taken up with something. People ask me, “when do you relax?” The answer is I don’t spend a lot of time chilling. I’d say my relaxation time is going to yoga, occasionally going to a movie, or playing guitar. I decided that I’m going to have a mandatory 10 minute chill out time every day that requires that I don’t feel like I need to be doing something. It can be sitting still, reading a book, laying or down in bed. I think if I give myself 10 minutes to “just be” and not be rushing someplace or trying to plan what I’m doing next, it’ll be overall healthier for both my body and mind. I’m already struggling to hold my resolution!
2. Make more time for my personal education
Education has always been a very valuable asset to me. I have enough years of college under my belt to show that I love learning! I tend to get so busy with all kinds of things and with my social schedule that I tend to neglect my self-education. Since my school days are behind me for now, I have to make time to keep learning new things and keep the brain gears turning over. I think I make smarter decisions and I’m more perceptive when I am in the process of learning something new. I feel like when I’m not in school, I get dumber. I’m going to try as much as I can, to commit to taking one night a week for my education. Right now, I have the freedom in my life to make time for things I want to do so I need to take advantage of it even more. I love learning new instruments, new languages, and reading books on all different types of subjects to enhance my education and personal wisdom. The next couple months will be focused on learning Spanish, the piano, and some start up business books. I also notice that the more I read, the better my writing. I started reading a lot more last year (mostly fun books…all those wonderful trilogies!) and it really helped my writing and vocabulary improve. I’m really excited about this one! I just need to make sure I take the time for it.
3. Accept things as they are today
I’m a goal oriented person. I’m happy when I’m achieving. You’re probably tired of hearing about me and yoga, but it really has helped me with this topic. Yoga is a place where I don’t find myself constantly striving. I’m able to do what I can in that moment without judgement. I’m trying to apply that more globally to my life. I noticed that I can get too caught up in what I want in my future, too focused on a race coming up that is months away, or thinking about things that could happen. I am searching for balance with planning, striving, and working hard for future goals without missing out and enjoying on what’s going on today. I’ve put myself in some bad spots agonizing over or worrying about what could happen in future months and it would affect my mood and how I was seeing my world that day. For me, it’s a constant swinging pendulum trying to keep it somewhere in the middle. I found that last year when I’d focus to on the present, I got too caught up in it and wouldn’t be as prepared as I’d like for future events. Life is all about finding a balance.
“Don’t think about all those things you fear. Just be glad to be here.”
If you’d like to read about my cycling related resolutions, check it out on my Bicycling blog – The Far Ride
Just some random thoughts:
I started stream one (30 min) lecture from The Great Courses each morning with my coffee instead just surfing the internet. Learning something new each day has really enhanced my life.
What was up with your brakes last year at Yak Attack? Would running one mechanical and one hydro be more reliable?
How do you transport that bike all around the world? Bike box? I thinking about this bike case from Ruster Sports: to help save on airline bike fees and to make it easier to fit into rental cars. Although, I’d have to do more races to make it worth it.
Anyway, thanks for your posts.