No more champagne,
And the fireworks are through.
Here we are, me and you…
The euphoria associated with a brand new year is slowly wearing off. The Christmas decorations are down. The first week of reality has set in. Most people are back to work, to their regular routines, except for the resolutions. What about those resolutions? It’s been almost a week. Are they still as bright and desirable as they were? Is the drive and the energy to accomplish still there? Hopefully!
I was reading about resolutions and what it takes to keep them. One article said four out of five people who make New Year’s resolutions will eventually break them. In fact, a third of those people won’t even keep their resolutions to the end of January. I find that kind of sad.
How can you keep the momentum going? If I knew that I’d write one of those great self help books and become rich! But I read some ideas that would help me do it.
First, be realistic. You have to start small. If you can’t even walk a half mile how can you compete in a marathon next month? But if you start walking or exercising every day, chances are you’ll build up to marathon completion status. Probably not the marathon next month, but the one that is a little further down the road. Make a plan and follow it and you’ll get there.
Second, reward yourself. It’s fun to be successful! Do what you are trying to do and treat yourself for your accomplishments. Buy a book, get a manicure/pedicure, or try a fancy restaurant. You deserve it! 
Third, stick with it. Messing up one day isn’t an excuse to give up. You may get in a situation where you can’t do what you need to do for that day. But you can get right back to it. It’s hard. But you can do it.
And finally, tell someone. It’s a lot more work to be accountable to someone. If you are trying to drink water every Wednesday it will be a lot harder to NOT drink that water if you know I’m going to ask about it! Basically what all of the articles seemed to say was to make a plan and make your goals or resolutions ’s specific and realistic. Even though you have to be the one to accomplish the goal, get support from friends and family to help you keep the momentum. They will cheer your success and encourage you when you slip. And it makes you accountable. I’m not sure if any of this will make you more successful in carrying out your resolutions. It was just something I ran across that made sense to me. And so concludes the self-help advice post for the week! You can send your nickel, via PayPal, credit card or check! Good luck!
Happy new year!
Happy new year!
May we all have a vision now and then.
Of a world where every neighbor is a friend...
I’ve really been in a knitting mood for some reason. If I could I’d just stay in my chair with a good movie and knit all day. But someone has to help pay back the student loans! Knitayear is going strong as well. It’s always exciting when I get to start a new strip. Day 279, January 4, is the first day back to work and is a day full of training. I’m tired because I’ve been staying up as late as I want and sleeping late too. The training is okay but nothing I’ve not heard before. I picked brown with little tufts of color. I loved this yarn when I got it. It’s pretty old. Day 280, January 5, started off foggy. I was about to leave when Alan said not to get in a hurry because it was so foggy. I called in and it finally cleared around 9:00. I left and it was still lifting. But I crossed the caprock and NOTHING. No fog. Completely clear. I was afraid they would think I made it up! It was another meeting and an assignment that could turn out to be a bit difficult. But I’m ambitious and thinking I can finish it up like I’m supposed to do it. I choose a shiny green ‘vintage’ yarn. I found a can with a lot of little balls of yarn that I forgot I had. Day 281 is January 6. I haven’t figured it all out but I’m motivated and hope to finish today because I have tomorrow off and I don’t want to come in if I don’t have to. I choose a variegated maroon, white, dark blue and green. Another vintage. And day 282, January 7, is the best day ever. It’s my day off. I’m delighted as Bryce likes to say! I don’t know why, but it really seemed like I needed it. I’m just taking it easy, knitting, watching a movie and relaxing. Alan brought lunch then went back to work. I fixed supper later and we just hung out. Nice. I chose a bright sunny yellow. It’s a delightful color!
I finished the Button Scarf Wrap. I like the yarn and I like how it turned out.
I started an Anthropologie Inspired Pom-Pom scarf, for fun. It’s lengthwise and it said to cast on 400 stitches. I only did 300 and hope it’s not ten feet long! It’s only 26 rows so it won’t be as bad as it could be. It’s dark green.
I’ve eaten more fruit and drank more water since the first. I’m going to read a book this week. Ask me about it. And how are your resolutions coming?
Happy new year!
Happy new year!
May we all have our hopes, our will to try.
If we don't we might as well lay down and die.
You and I.
