Now that we have rung in the new year, it can be a challenging time for many of us. Christmas is over, winter is in full force, and depression tends to worsen. So, rather than come up with some unrealistic resolutions, which we seldom keep, let’s instead resolve to do some things to love and accept ourselves with more gentleness.
A resolution is a decision to do, or not do, something. For example, I will stop eating junk food. A resolve, on the other hand, involves ongoing action with a purpose in mind. What are some things you’re resolving to do? Below is a list of 10 resolves from which you might choose:
1. Every day I will focus on what I CAN do and not dwell on the things I can’t do.
2. I will do at least one thing daily that brings joy to my heart.
3. I will acknowledge my limitations, but I won’t let them define me or hold me back.
4. I will find at least one person every day to hug. (The dental assistant at my dentist office loves to see me when I come. She knows she’ll get two great hugs from me.) We all need hugs for our emotional health.
5. I will choose to eat MORE whole foods and LESS processed/junk foods. Trust me, your body will thank you.
6. I will move more. Sometimes it might be a short walk, or some gentle yoga. Sometimes it’s walking from one room to another. As long as I keep moving.
7. I will keep a gratitude journal and write down at least three items every day that I’m grateful for. That way, when tough days come, those memories can lift your spirits.
8. I will set aside my pride and ask for help when I need it. For running errands, cleaning, help with meals, etc. Don’t rob others of the blessing of helping you. You see it as inconveniencing others; they see it as a way they can do something practical for you.
9. I will work on better self-care. It’s really important to take care of YOU. Say “no” when you need to, without guilt. Healthy boundaries are so important. Pace yourself. It’s tempting I know, to catch up on things you’ve been unable to do on your bad days, when you’re feeling pretty good. But we both know you’ll pay the price for that.
10. I will speak kindly more often than I criticize. Kind words are like apples of gold. Critical words are like rottenness to the bones.
Don’t make resolutions that you know you probably won’t keep. Resolve to do positive and healthy things for yourself every day.
Make 2017 a year of acceptance, embracing change, more joyful moments, saying “no” when you need to and “yes” when you can. I’m praying this year is an amazing one for you in every way!
Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.
Great,postitive and very uplifting.
We must try hard to keep up a positive attitude. 🙂
Thanks Ann, I hope you found some of them useful ??
Another terrific article, Robin! It is often SO hard to accept help, especially when you were used to being the one who was always doing and giving. I also resolve this year to allow those people the same joy I received when I was able to help others. And, I resolve to stop trying to get people to understand this bizarre illness – WHEN they are too ignorant or don’t care enough to try and find out anything about it on their own. (It’s hard enough for ME to understand…what makes me think I can get them to?) So instead, I resolve to use THAT energy for SOMETHING I ENJOY DOING! BTW, I just went to the grocery store. I saw the title of a book called, “People can’t drive you crazy if you don’t give ’em the keys!” I have no idea what the book is about, but the title certainly seems appropriate for fibromyalgia sufferers. So this year, I’m gonna keep the damn keys to myself! 🙂 Vroom, vroom!
Denise I’m proud of you!! Hide those keys lol
I Love IT!!!
The suffering alone is not easy to cope is to have Hope. I trust in God to help me through these tiring , painful and depressing season’s?
Robin: you have outdone yourself with this list of Resolves. I love it and am keeping it near to remind myself everyday. I love your posts; keep them coming.
Pamela, thank you so much!! You made my day ??
Timely, crisp, valuable, and necessary high points for our New Year. May God continue to give you strong messages that all of us need to hear and heed in order to survive and even thrive. Robin, you remain a gem! How refreshing for though who daily have so many challenges. Too many choose to be thorns in our sides.
Meant those!
Thanks Julie!! My goal is to be helpful and positive ?
I’d say you are well on your target and goals, my dear. <3
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Thank you Robin for your inspirational list of Resolve. I have copied the words and I will read them everyday. I have problems letting people help me,just like Denise said in her comment. I have always been so independent, and I can’t seem to get the feeling out of my head, that I am a burden to my friends and family. I get so frustrated with my self, because, if the they were the ones with FM, I would want to help in anyway I could. I want to get better at this in 2017. Happy New Year to everyone. Hugs, Linda
I had Fibromyalgia now for twenty years. Robin, the list you left on your page 1-10 on Resolve I have learned over the years to do. I accept my disease, and I do these thing as you listed. I can’t do it or go though the pain without my Lord helping me through it. Fibromyalgia is so painful. Robin you mention depression I for one fight it everyday, so that it doesn’t control me; I control the depression. Once I accepted the Fibromyalgia it made life easier for me and those around me. Everyone deals with it differently, and they need to found what works for them. What you have listed are good reminders.
Jane I thoroughly agree with your post. We become stronger than we knew we could through this adversity