New Resolve

Well, a new decade does seem to call for a reaching into the depths and finding new personal resolve.

As I was doing yoga to my favorite kundalini DVD on the morning of New Year's Day (what better way to start off the new year?), I thought about how yoga teaches self-compassion as well as broad compassion for all living things. And it makes perfect sense--if you cannot be compassionate towards yourself, how can you really be compassionate to others?

Therefore, I've decided that all new year's resolutions must be made out of compassion--to self and others. Too often we overlook being compassionate to ourselves. Too often our goals and resolutions are atonements or self-punishments inflicted out of guilt or obligation.

Wouldn't commitments to exercise, diet, health, saving more money, working harder--whatever--have a better chance of actualization if they were made out of love and compassion to ourselves, not out of a sense of "should" or "have to?"

This year, I've resolved to be kinder to myself by focusing more on myself than others. I've resolved to let go of the guilt and pressure I so easily allow others to lay upon me. I've resolved to be better at saying "no" to people. I've resolved to turn my sights inward for awhile, and focus more on self, home, and family. To develop a more clear path and to not be so paralyzed by fear and the "what ifs" surrounding my son's life. I've resolved to be much more courageous than I have been, and to meet my obstacles instead of trying to avoid them. I've resolved to take better care of myself--to get that tooth fixed, to get that eye exam, to get that other pesky health problem treated the right way.

In short, it's time to focus on me and make sure my own needs, and those of my immediate family, are taken care of.