By SHARON McMAHON
Be Well
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
Well, we are just past that mid-point in our “New Year’s Resolutions” we made just about six months ago.
Some of you probably were gung-ho about those, noting the goals you have identified in one, or many, categories including career, family, financial, fitness and health, hobbies, etc. Some of you may have been more casual about your 2022 resolutions, with just a mental note and a wait-and-see attitude.
However, I venture to say that we all had some ideas as we completed our holiday to-do lists and focused on the year ahead about what we wished to change, improve, omit, or add to our lives. What can happen – and often does happen – is that within a few months after we get excited about those resolutions, we begin to realize that we have not yet started to make those changes. Or perhaps we did begin to (take your pick) incorporate a better eating plan, start an exercise program, schedule more time with the family, begin a job search, enroll in classes, etc. but as often happens, life intervenes, and we just run out of steam.
Of course, we have endured something the past couple of years none of us expected – the pandemic of which we are all just so very tired of and is still lingering, unfortunately. The only upside is that we have renewed appreciation for the health of ourselves and our loved ones.
In regard to those resolutions – don’t give up! Although we are a little past the half-way point, it is still 2022! Why not revisit those resolutions and goals, re-evaluate, and consider your options? When we are at the beginning of a nice, shiny new year it is very easy to be a bit starry-eyed regarding those changes. In particular, those of us “of a certain age” sometimes back off from making, or even considering, changes. I find in working with clients on their health and fitness goals that the wish for speedy results in both the way they look and feel can possibly undermine the continued quest to reach their goals. Those who stay focused and realize that a “quick fix” (and don’t we get bombarded with those ads!) will never be the answer to obtaining a more fit and healthy body will most likely reach their fitness goals.
I believe that as long as we, regardless of our age, make a commitment to setting the goals and dreaming the dreams we will find that we can achieve much of what we desire. Here is a suggestion, and something I have done which I find helpful. Find a photo (you know what I mean, one of those “hard copy” photos that you can actually hold in your hand…) of yourself at an age when you felt optimistic, healthy, and excited about the future. That may be when you were 8, 12, 15 or 25, it doesn’t matter. Put that photo in a frame where you will see it every day. That person is YOU! It is never too late to take a deep breath, review that “list” you made six months ago and go forward.
We all want to be happy, and we often believe that attaining whatever our goals or resolutions may be will offer that to us. I hope you continue your quest to better your life in whatever categories you believe need the most work.
Another of my favorite quotes is offered by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Happiness is not a goal … it’s a by-product of a life well lived.” I hope you live well and healthy, and that the second half of 2022 is a good one for you, keeping your goals in front of you and moving toward them in a realistic, focused, and positive way. Happy Last Half + of the New Year!
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.