If I had any vocal talent, I would break into David Bowie’s song, “Ch- Ch- Changes…” but my nine year old daughter pleads with me to lip sync only so I’ll keep my singing confined to the car. Each New Year, we hope for something better to arrive; perhaps a stable economy, perhaps a rosier job or perhaps better health. Each year, we resolve to improve ourselves in some manner. Maybe, we’ll actually keep the New Year’s resolutions we make this year. It is rare that we follow through with the resolutions and maybe it is because we are so talented at resisting change. We make the resolutions because we want to get in better physical shape and lose weight but, heaven forbid, if we have to change anything to reach that goal. W.H. Auden writes:

We would rather be ruined than changed;

We would rather die in our dread

Than climb the cross of the moment

And let our illusions die.

It is easier to sit in our discomfort even though we are unhappy than to make a change. It seems crazy but we do it all the time; an unhappy discomfort is still more familiar than the unknown.

When we think about changes in our physical body; the physical discomfort from starting an exercise program or going without dessert or changing eating patterns can be very unsettling. Why go there when the piece of cake makes us feel so good for that instant? Each year, we make the resolution to lose weight or start an exercise program because we know that our health is valuable and our health is valuable to those around us. We know it is important; we know it is what we should do.

My suggestion this year is to try one change at a time. Set a reasonable goal. When you feel as if you have met that goal, then strive for another. We are so good at criticizing ourselves when we fail because we attempt too many changes at once. Who can manage all that change? It is too uncomfortable. So, we resist any change and fall back to our old familiar patterns. If you had to choose one exercise: walk 15-30 minutes five days a week. See how you feel in four months. Happy New Year.