Day Eighty-Three: Happy N0 Resolutions

"Resolutions? ME?? Just What are you implying? That I need to change?? Well, Buddy, as far as I'm concerned, I'm perfect the way I AM! -Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

Is there anything more annoying the ritual of making resolutions for the New Year? Who the hell came up with this idea? It is just one more thing to add to the never ending "To Do" list; one more thing to feel guilty about when it doesn't get done; one more thing to mull over during the endless hours of insomnia. I say who needs it?! Do you self a favor, a random act of kindness if you will, and don't get sucked in. Take a stand. Be one of the resolution-less nonconformists and move into the new year without declaring what is less than perfect in your life.

I was reading an interview of Suze Ormond in Good Housekeeping recently. She told the story of the one and only time she made a New Year's resolution. She was taping a spot for the Oprah Show for the New Year (then 2009). She was asked what her resolution would be. Instead of just saying she doesn't make any, she declared that she was going to exercise everyday. At the time of making this declaration, she was already in the habit of exercising everyday. Of course, once she announced this on national t.v., she stopped exercising and hasn't gone back to exercising since. I find the meaning of this story absolutely true: Making a New Year's resolution is like cursing yourself. Once the declaration is made, the Id digs it's heels in and fights the Ego every step of the way dooming the individual to failure. The Id is Calvin declaring that we are perfect just the way we are and the Ego is our brains telling ourselves that 'This Is the Year" that we can overcome all those years of bad habits, laziness and complacency. Again, I emphatically ask, why do it?

So, dear readers, my resolution is to have no resolution. I know I need to eat better, lose 10 pounds, exercise everyday, spend wisely, save money, stop yelling when I am angry, find more patience, find balance between work and relaxation, be more present and less distracted, create world peace, find a cure for cancer and have myself canonized as a saint in the process. The reality is that I am doing the best I can with what I have to work with-a disturbing lack of estrogen, little sleep, Diet Coke and a house full of kids. I always know what I need to do and sometimes I even do it, but never when I declare my intention to do what needs to be done. I do it when get damn good and ready to do it. That is human nature. I plan to go with Mother Nature on this one.