New Year, New You?

The New Year can often be rejuvenating. As the calendar turns over and we have another new set of 365 days, the possibilities seem limitless! For many years my friends, family and I would discuss New Year's resolutions. Of course weight-loss was often at the top of people's lists, especially after indulging over the past two months during various holidays. Some would set goals for work. Others wanting to break bad habits that had plagued them for years. We would all vow to stay in touch more, get together more. And yet, like many Americans, our resolutions didn't mean much after a few weeks. Habits were too...well...habitual. Rich food tasted too good. Exercising wasn't much fun. And who can say no to temptation all the time?

It seems due to all this failure, many people started to shun setting resolutions. Finally, we could simply start the new year and not feel the pressure of being better. But yet, for me, there is still something fun about setting a few, realistic goals. I like the challenge. Even though I know I may not succeed in any of them, I am happy to give it a go. It isn't just finishing a goal that is important, it is how you get there. And if along the way, you be come a better you-fantastic!

I thought I would share my resolutions with all of you to help me enjoy the journey of getting...or trying to get to my goals.

Resolution 1: Yes, I indulged this holiday. The food and spirits flowed and flowed and flowed. Personally, I don't weigh myself, but I know when my clothes don't fit. Is there anything worse than not being able to zip-up your jeans? O, and I have done this, got stuck in a shirt that is just too small? So I am focusing on drinking more water, doing my best to follow a Mediterranean diet, and *trying* to exercise. I truly despise exercising. But I found app called with 7 minute workouts by Wahoo. I have 7 minutes to spare...every other day. So there we go, more water, better balance of food, and trying to work out. This will hopefully help me fit back into my jeans.

Resolution 2: Increase the number of patients I see in a week. I LOVE being a chiropractor. Starting my own business has been a challenge. When faced with challenges our sense of self is either fortified or washed away. In the 4 months I have been in business I have learned that I dislike marketing. I am also not an expert in it. I'm a doctor. I'd rather see 100 patients with sciatica then try to think of a marketing idea. I just hired a fantastic company, Rivertown Multimedia, and am ecstatic to start working with them. They are the experts which means I don't have to be. I am sure you will be seeing a lot more of Health Connections soon!

Resolution 3: This came from my oldest daughter. As we focus on trying to better ourselves by making resolutions, we sometimes need to step back and see that no matter what, if my jeans still don't fit or my patient numbers aren't where I want them to be, there are still great moments in life. So we made 'rememberlution jars.' You can find these on Pinterest. My three kiddos and I each decorated a jar. We placed them on a shelf next to some cut-out strips of paper and a nice pen (hey, I really like pens that write nicely.) When something good happens or something we want to remember, we write it down, date it, and put it in the jar. That way even if resolution 1 or 2 doesn't happen, on December 31st, 2017 we will take down our jars, spill out our memories, and enjoy the moments that were created.

Happy New Year, Everybody! I wish you a happy and healthy 2017.