If you've been following me for a while, or if you are a "Real Life Friend", then you'll know that I'm into coaching. I might not talk about it all the time, but it's what I do. Anyway, everyone who's done a bit of life coaching knows that goals are important and are not something you write down just once a year on 1st Jan and then forget you ever thought of them by the 31st. So I'm not going to write down a New Year's Resolution list, but I would like to put some thoughts down and just pretend it's a coincidence that it's the New Year.
The boyf and I were having a rather profound discussion yesterday, and I got told a few (uncomfortable) home truths. In the nicest possible way, of course, because he's not a meanie. But it got me thinking... so here are a few conclusions. They might resonate with some of you, you never know:
- Nobody's perfect. I know this because I'm a total perfectionist and am always striving for, but never reaching, perfection. And you know what? That's ok. Or at least, that's what I've realised I should say to myself. So although I'm not going to stop striving to be my best me, or to do my best in everything I do, I'm going to remember point no.2:
- Don't be so hard on yourself. I beat myself up. A lot. And yet I know, because I preach this to the kids, that the one voice we can do something about is the voice in our head. So I'm trying to remember to catch myself if I feel myself thinking "you're rubbish" or any other negative thought. This should help with point no.3:
- If you don't stick to the diet, it won't work. Does this seem obvious? Hell yes, but it's so easy to say to someone else "why don't you just eat less?" than it is to kick the habit of the chocolate bar you automatically buy when you go to the corner shop for a pint of milk. I know I'm not the only one who does that, am I? I kicked the habit before, I know I can kick it again... And I'll get help by committing to point no.4:
- You need to be more active. I had started going to the gym and the my arthritis kicked in again and it got cold and wet out there and, and, and... No more excuses. I signed up in December to a Pilates course that starts at the hospital next Wednesday, and I've had to pay up front so there's no getting out of it. And Claire wants to get active again too so we'll be gym/pool buddies and get back on that wagon...
- Stop being lazy. Yes ladies and gentleman, my name is Jen and I'm lazy. There must be a 12-step programme for that, right? I know I'd much rather sit and read a book/my Google reader/daydream than do the housework. That might be why the house always look so messy. And I'm afraid the gene has found its way into Claire's make-up too. So that's another point I'm working on.
That's quite enough for now. There are plenty of sub bullet-points that go with those 5 things, but I don't want to send you all to sleep.
It's a beautiful, crisp, sunny winter's day out there. What are you all waiting for? Go out and ENJOY!! Happy New Year everyone. May 2010 bring you your heart's desire. See you next time.
