Day 3 - 9 -- Resolutions

Again, it is the time of year when people frantically try to promise themselves to do or not do something or several somethings. Resolutions -- the majority of which are broken before the first two weeks of the year are out. Why? Often people resolve to make major changes that are simply too difficult to do all at once. Success in changing habits works best when we break a large change into small steps, allowing each step to be mastered prior to moving on to the next. Lifestyle change is not something simple that can be done without much thought and planning. What happens when people realize they can't keep their promises to themselves? It often leads to negative views of oneself, which is likely what got a person into the situation to begin with.

Why do we often try to work on changing our external selves? Is it likely that outside change will change what is going on inside?  In terms of physiology, this may have an affect on metabolic processes and alter disease states. But, in terms of the social and psychological self, it is unlikely that we will be happier, have more friends, or feel more content. Yet, every year people quietly tell themselves they will change the way they look through exercise and diet. Each January talk shows, news magazine shows, print media, and advertisements tell us that we should be different to be better people. When well known spokespeople encourage weight loss, as with the former star of Cheers and a well-known  media mogul are doing this year, their use of emotion creates a need or want within the viewer or listener. It is no different than selling fast food or shampoo -- someone manipulates emotions to convince someone else to buy something that they don't really need. Whether it is an individual meal based dieting program, a cleanse, or an herbal supplement, few are supported by evidence of effectiveness. Even with those products that do lead to weight loss, most people will regain the weight within a year and their self-loathing will not really change much. Sometimes it seems as though the marketing industry is the cause of much of the negative body and self image. Perhaps if one must make a resolution, it should be to learn to ignore all the pleas for ways in which we should spend our money. Or to learn more about who we are and then learn self acceptance.

The song for today hit my consciousness mid-afternoon. I think it is part of the theme for "A Chef's Life,"  which was on in the background. Two lines from near the end of the song always make me think of body weight for some reason -- likely my profession <smile>. The accompanying video here shows the lyrics, but the sound quality is better for this one. Enjoy!

Will you return? -- Avett Brothers