Letter from the editor
Strong Beginnings
There is an old saying that goes, “those who start strong, finish strong”! Perhaps the most important element of this statement is the power behind the idea of finishing what we start!
During this time of the year, you would be hard-pressed to find at least one person who has not resolved to change their lives in some significant or small way. The sad fact is research has shown that 98% of resolutions made on January 1st are usually abandoned by Valentine’s Day.
This would lead one to ask then, what is that causes people to feel compelled to make a proclamation about making changes in their lives at this particular time as opposed to the other eleven months of the year?
Could it be that after twelve months of giving it everything you’ve got that the only hope left is through a fresh start? Or could it be the joy that comes through anticipation as you are about to end one chapter of your life and begin another? Whatever the reason for a new beginning, the real power behind making such a commitment never happens except by seeing it through to the end. Too often we set goals for ourselves without thinking through what it is going to take to go from start to finish. In a sense, we unwittingly set ourselves up for certain failure when we don’t consider the cost.
For years I allowed myself to gain and lose the same six or seven pounds each year as a way of not missing out on the good food during the holiday season. Each year, like clock-work, on January 1st I would vow to lose the extra pounds by Valentine’s Day. I did this until one year I asked myself the critical question of why. And more importantly, what was new about doing the same old thing year after year. I then took this idea farther and resolved to end this practice once and for all. And so, three years ago, I adjusted my approach to the holidays by paying forward with increased exercise and enjoying all the good food, but in smaller portions. This action became my strong beginning.
Finishing strong is easier said than done. It takes an awful lot of will-power because human beings are adverse to change. The good thing about making a change is that once you decide, you have already made one big step in the right direction. And very much like taking a walk, reaching the finish line requires only that you consistently put one foot in front of the other.
2013 is the year to begin to live not by making resolutions but rather in creating a way of living where finishing is nothing more than a simple part of the process. The power is where it has always been, inside you, waiting to make your grand appearance.
Here’s wishing you strong beginnings. How good is that...
Deigratia,
Bonnie