I have been thinking a lot about what my new year’s resolution is for 2009. I’m a workaholic. I don’t do anything creative anymore: I used to dance, write poetry, short stories and draw and paint. So it seems obvious that I should make my resolution something about say, working less….and more creativity. My original goal was to work on my creativity as an outlet.
But when I really think about my time, I go home exhausted after working and veg out in front of the boob tube. Not a great way to make a mark in this life. I can see it now, my epitaph will read – Melissa Francis – owner of Intelligent Exercise Pilates and Fitness Studio made watching evening TV an art form!
You might think I’m being a little harsh but maybe you can relate to this? You work really hard both mentally and physically during the day and the last thing you want to do is use your brain or body when you get home. The only thing I want to do is eat, and ….well that’s pretty much it.
So I’ve been contemplating what is going to get me motivated to unleash my creative side. Less work? Not likely in this economic stratosphere. So that leaves me to less TV. And then I start to panic. But what will I do if I can’t watch TV while I eat? How will I relax after work? I can’t turn to alcohol!! How will I turn my brain off and refocus, what will I actually do if there is no TV…I can feel the panic rise up in my stomach and I wonder if I’ll be able to sleep. Yep – I realize as I write this, I’ve got it bad.
I slow down for a moment and think about what kind of person I actually want to be? How do I want others to see me? What do I want to leave in this world? What truly makes me happy? Big questions with many different answers. And this is just trying to make a resolution.
I definitely don’t want to be a middle aged- brain dead- TV watching- slug. So…baby steps. This blog is an attempt to get me into writing again. My goal today was to write something – ANYthing to break the chain. So I’ve accomplished my mission – writing. And I am promising myself not to turn on the TV AT ALL tonight. Just one night. I’ll report back tomorrow! (I’m freaking out because I don’t even have a good book to read…)
OK – so where does this all fit in to the “getting in shape” aspect. What does “getting in shape” mean to you? Is it, lose weight, or feel better, or tone my abs and arms, or relieve low back pain, or get your annual physical and go to the dentist, or have more fun, or go jogging, or reduce your stress level, or eat better, or start a diet? You know what I mean….. This statement is complex and different for everyone.
Just like my one day goal writing something and not turning on the TV – start with baby steps. Step one: Decide definitively what “getting in shape” means to you. Step two: make ONE call to ONE place that seems to do what you need or have what you’re looking for. Then congratulate yourself for taking the first step. You’ll find yourself after just these two steps getting a little more motivated. Step three: call at least two more places for information. Step four: pick one of the three places and go to check it out – the atmosphere, the quality, do they really fit your needs? Can you picture yourself continuing to go to this place day after day or week after week if that’s what your goal requires?
Get the picture? Even if I do…accidentally…. turn on the TV I know that I did take one little step and that was to write something today. So say you are going to start a diet. Which diet is it? Does it fit your lifestyle? What kind of changes will it bring to your every day life? Grocery shopping? cooking time? All these questions with one little resolution. Start with baby steps – maybe cut out the pop or late night snack while you’re researching the diet that will work for you. Or better yet – replace that late night snack with something for breakfast if you are breakfast skipper. Then congratulate yourself for your one step that you can manage and stick with.
I know, I know…really I know – how hard it is to make change (I’m still inwardly obsessed about the TV right now). But if you break it all down to little teeny weeny things you can do every day…you’ll be amazed at the outcome.
I already feel better from writing!
I’ve been fighting the TV “nemesis” myself. So hard to evade during these winter months! Thanks for the words of encouragement. I plan on taking my first step today!