Community Corner
Three Questions To Ask Yourself In The New Year
By Robert Lowell, Senior Director of Community Impact, YMCA of Metro North, and A Healthy Lynnfield Coalition Member
I recently read a comic strip where one of the characters said to the other “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?”
I, like many I’ve known over the years, have struggled identifying the right New Year’s resolutions and if I’m being honest, I’ve been relatively unsuccessful with sticking with them. (Sound familiar??) I’ve come to realize, it’s the “absolute” nature of a resolution that I find terrifying. I mean, am I going to live a healthier lifestyle FOREVER? Am I going to exercise regularly FOREVER? Am I going to eliminate soft drinks FOREVER? As I think about 2023, I am going to take a different approach and commit to asking myself 3 questions as much as I can.
1. Is this situation/behavior good for my health? Sure, I could exercise a little more and even eat a little healthier in 2023 and beyond. My plan is to take each situation individually. There may be days I contemplate eating a salad over a cheeseburger and actually eat the salad instead. There will be days I go for the cheeseburger, and that is ok.
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2. Is this situation/behavior good for my soul? I’ve often struggled with balancing my personal well-being over the well-being of others. In 2023, I could take the absolute approach of “I am going to take care of Rob and Rob alone in 2023? Instead, I hope to give space and at least ask myself the question. Is this filling my soul bucket or not? And be ok with not being able to fill my soul bucket 24/7.
3. Is this situation/behavior good for my heart? I always feel good when I am able to connect/help a friend, colleague, stranger or family member. I look at this question as my moral compass. I could say I am going to do 10 good deeds a month or connect with all my college friends in 2023. Instead, I plan to ask myself the question for all my relationships and interactions. If it feels good for my heart, BONUS. If not, then I may have to look within and ask more questions.
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So, I guess my resolution is to ask myself a lot of questions in 2023. I encourage you all to take stock in how you’ll handle New Year Resolutions in 2023.
Please contact the YMCA of Metro North Torigian Branch at 978-977-9622 to learn more about how the Y can help you meet your personal health & wellness goals in 2023.
