A "NEW" New Year's
Resolution
1. I resolve to accept myself unconditionally. I devote myself to accepting the contrasts, imperfections, struggles, successes, stupidity, selfishness and brilliance inside of me because all the criticism has lead to unhappiness resulting in no less evidence of my humanness despite the efforts. I will remind myself that others experience these human traits in equal measure.
2. I resolve to remember Weight Loss Programs don't work for me. When I see tv commercials with celebrities making a living with their "atypical" weight loss, I will remember that the majority of weight loss is regained and then some, as demonstrated by watching myself, my family and friends yo-yoing. About 95% of people regain their weight loss plus an average of 8lbs. I relish the release of body and food preoccupation that comes with giving up this fantasy.
3. I resolve to take care of my health now and not wait until I am the unrealistic body size I think I should be to be healthy. I will balance more enjoyable physical activity, taking vitamins, attending to my anxiety and depression, practicing nutrition, going to the doctor and general maintenance of my body, despite my size.
4. I resolve to feed myself with what I am really hungry for. Instead of the high volumes of food I've used in the past, I will offer myself heaping portions of solitude, mutual social relationships, spiritual practice, fun, stimulation, affection and emotional expression.
5. I resolve to remember that I am now and always have been bigger than my body. My physical form is one aspect of who I am, not me. It will change over time and does not dictate my happiness, future prospects, love life, misery or mistreatment unless I assign that power to it in my mind. It is not the thing people will remember me for when I am dead and gone. Instead of obsessive preoccupation, I prefer to be present with my life and loved ones because that is what I value and what I want to be remembered for in the future.
6. I resolve to begin living my life now. I do not have to wait until I am some ideal weight to date, vacation, be willing to displease others, have enjoyable sex, hike, go to school, assert myself on the job, say no, paint etc.. We are the only advocates we have and I have a responsibility to live the life I have been given to it's potential. I can't imagine being at the end of my life knowing I have waited to live and now it's over (and that I never did get to my ideal weight)?
