Oh, No, It's That Time of Year!

     I know everyone says this, but I can't believe it's 2019. I remember standing in Times Square watching the ball drop as the year 2000 entered our reality. That was 19 years ago!
     The big question at this time of year is always, what changes are we going to make? (I will refrain from using the phrase, New Year's Resolutions.)  In other words, how are we going to improve ourselves? That question makes me ponder, what was wrong with the old me? 
Every year we vow to lose weight, read more, begin exercising, quit smoking (does anyone still do that?), curb our anger problem, and a whole host of other ideas for change. I know the YMCA and other health clubs are seeing a huge increase in attendance. It happens every year in January.  Have you seen all the ads on TV regarding diet plans?  They are merely responding to the public's desire to change.  Who doesn't want to go on a diet at this time of year?   I must admit that I have chosen to devote my menu to Keto.  Yes, I am on a much needed diet...sigh.
           When it comes to our appearance, we are so hard on ourselves.  We strive to be perfect, or at least improve.  So much pressure we place on our appearance and changing it to look "better."  Why do we stress ourselves?  I have to ask this question:  are we doing this for ourselves or for how others see us?  Who are we trying to impress?  I would hope we are doing these changes for us.   
         I remember hearing how Judy Garland, as a child, was told to lose weight.  This caused her great angst into her adult years.  She had to lose weight, change her appearance, for someone else.  That's just wrong, especially when she wasn't even fat.  As for losing weight and exercising, it is true that we all need to maintain a decent weight and move our bodies so we remain healthy--or regain our health.  That's simply common sense and a proper endeavor for all of us.  But not to please someone else.
        If you find yourself reading this and thinking, I need to join the group and lose weight, do it for the right reasons.  And if you don't feel inspired until May of 2019 to lose weight, so be it.  Most people who start out the year all fired up to lose weight and exercise find themselves eating a Cinnabon by mid February.  And not exercising.  But we should see the rare few  in March who are still jogging down the road of healthy eating as inspirational.  They set an admirable goal and are pursuing it.
          In the year 2019, my hope for you is to come to know that you are a child of God, and He loves you no matter what.  Fluffy or skinny, it doesn't matter.  You are loved.  Breathe it in and feel that love.  When you blow your diet, and we all do, just remember that you are still lovable, and get back to it the next day.  No big deal.
                                                                                HAPPY 2019!!
 

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