What do I think about New Year’s Resolutions? Well, to each’s own. They can be motivating, especially during the dire month of January. They can also be harmful to your self-worth should you not succeed, and that’s not good. Today is January 26th. If you have not fulfilled your resolution, I say, try again if you want or let it go. Don’t beat yourself up.
I believe new beginning start February 1st. Mid-winter. That’s when dormant life starts to rebirth. It’s a great time to try new things or make changes. Quit smoking, stop swearing, limit drinking, exercise, do acts of kindness, whatever. Last year I bought a ukulele and I still practice! I'm also learning Spanish. I took two semesters in college, so it’s not too difficult, and I have a good program. It’s always great to do some self-improvement. But, same goes. Don’t beat yourself up. I’m not sure what new thing to learn this February, I have to think on that. Perhaps I'll just practice more uke and try to improve my vocals.
I think it was three years ago, in 2021,when I was 47 years old—I did an experiment during the first three months of the year. I weighed 123 pounds. A good weight for me. But I was curious as to what would make me lose weight more: stopping sugar, stopping drinking, or stopping carbs. Of course, this was an amateur, short-term study. I did it just for myself, but I thought why not share my experience here? The results surprised me.
In January I quit sugar—not much result in the weight category. It is a difficult task because nearly everything has sugar in it and it is an addictive substance. In February I quit drinking—no change. I did, however, drink NA beers. Then, in March I quit carbs. I lost six or 7 pounds. It came right back the next month.
I’ve never had a weight problem because I’ve never been an overeater or had any health issues. Thank you, Jesus, please bless me and my loved ones with good health. And, I’ve never fluctuated in weight. Until 2022. I was about 128 pounds then. Late March I quit drinking, I skipped dinners, and I drank two cups of camomile tea each night. By Fall I was down to my college weight, 113 pounds. Losing those fifteen pounds flattened my stomach, but my face looked too thin.
I will admit it was after coming out of a not-so-perfect relationship. In time, I healed and my appetite came back. I drink occasionally, but not excessively. I eat dinner every night. I’ve now past 128, but I chose not to do a New Year’s Resolution. I love myself, my body, and my life. Thank you, Lord. I do want to, however, eat healthier and exercise more because it feels good and I think 130 is a good weight for my body.
I will be 51 this year. I’ve decided I’m skipping menopause, so that’s not an issue. And, instead of a resolution I simply exercise four times a week. With help from Mom, and a wonderful man, I grow and can my own vegetables. I’ve recently cut out red meat because it no longer feels right to eat it. That’s just a personal choice. I don’t do diet programs, but I have sampled food from some of them because my loved ones have been on diets. The South Beach Diet is the most delicious. And the Golo Diet seems to work best.
My point is, do what’s right for YOU. Listen to your body. Follow your intuition. And thank God for all the good things in your life.
Peace and Love,
Tracy
