Why is it that so many people abandon those resolutions so quickly? Every year I hear the same stories about not being able to find a parking space at the gym on January 2, and by January 15 the parking lot is half empty.
Making (and keeping) a resolution takes resolve, and I believe that is just the thing that might be lacking in the dead of winter.
Winter is cold, at least on the part of the globe where I live. And so many resolutions involve things like exercising, getting out more, eating more salads and drinking more smoothies, working harder, etc., and many of those things just don't seem to fit naturally on my Winter calendar. Environment trumps intention, and a chilly environment just isn't completely supportive of some resolutions.
All I want when I am freezing is to snuggle up on the couch with the Handsome Sweetheart and Yuki the Wonderpuppy and eat popcorn. Of course it is organic popcorn covered in himalayan pink salt and grass-fed butter from Ireland -- so that counts towards eating healthier, right?
I don't want to "get out more." I don't want to exercise more. For me, "exercising more" means riding my bike, and riding my bike in freezing cold wet weather is NOT something that I want to do. Ever.
I don't want to eat salad. I don't want a smoothie.
I want to hibernate. I want to stay inside, stay warm, eat comfort food, snuggle up and read. I want to knit.
And then, I want spring to arrive.
Spring. Ah, just thinking of those beautiful spring mornings brings a smile to my face. Because when the robins start appearing, the sun comes back out, the trees start budding, and the temperature warms up THAT is when I feel ready. Ready to make those moves. Ready to have some resolve. Ready to begin creating new things and new directions in my life.
Doesn't it just seem like nature intends it this way? Winter is for hibernating.
For centuries the "new year" was celebrated at the spring equinox. And the spring season just seems to scream "Bring in the NEW!" So much new life, new growth is evident all around us. New plans, new goals, new creations, new directions -- all seem more natural at this time.
Keeping certain resolutions during the thick of winter is like finalizing a contract or setting up a computer network during Mercury Retrograde. You can do it, but it might not be hassle free. The traditional advice regarding Mercury Retrograde is that it is NOT the time to sign contracts or buy expensive electronics. But what we sometimes don't hear is that it IS a great time to revisit, reread, rewrite, rethink, research, and relax. It is a great time to plan, and then when Mercury goes direct, that is the time to act on those plans.
This is how I feel about the "New Year" (the current one, the popular one, the one on January 1) -- I like to take that time to think, to plan, to brainstorm, and then when spring comes I'm ready to begin taking action to bring those plans into reality.
How do you feel about this idea? Is spring a better time for those resolutions for you, too?
Get ready! Spring is on the way!
Cindie Chavez is throwing a virtual party this Spring to help you create those new things you want in your life, and it's free! Find out more about The 2014 Love & Magic Spring Invitational