Graphic by Melissa Finley (Canva.com)
Well? Have you given up yet? The second Friday in January has become known as “Quitter’s Day.” It is an actual day named for a tradition I’ve long heard of, but never officially acknowledged. It is said that, by this date which falls on Jan. 10 this year, most New Year’s Resolutions have already been ditched.
So where do you stand? Did you make a resolution? I, myself, rather think it is a silly word. I’m one of those “I-don’t-need-a-calendar-to-tell-me-what-to-do” kind of gals. I am not of fan of Hallmark holidays telling you when to make the love in your life feel special, and I’m not a fan of a holiday marking the time I’m to start on a new goal.
I suppose the simple explanation is, I don’t like being told what to do. Anytime. Ever. Therefore, marking dates on a calendar and directing me to take part in some ritual … well, I guess that’s just not me. Even traditions I appreciate and enjoy, I don’t per se care what day we enjoy them on each year. My amazing holiday with my teens took place days before the calendar said so, and guess what? It was just as magical!
Some would say my refocused energy, once again put behind losing weight, is a resolution of sorts. I don’t love the word. And I’m certainly not quitting on Jan. 10. Just a few years back, I battled against my medical conditions, bucked the comfortable rut of junk food, and lost 90 pounds. It was a hell of a journey, and I worked incredibly hard to get there.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep it up. I’m ashamed to say I have somehow returned myself to square one and need to begin all over again. It took a few years, but it’s true. I am beginning 2025 the same way I began 2021. But there’s hope.
For one, I know I can do it. I have found methods that work for me. I feel better when I eat healthy foods and walk more. I’m not sure why it is so hard for me to push myself into doing so, but I know afterward, I am not only proud of myself but genuinely feel physically better.
Sometimes, they say if you make a big change for the wrong reasons, it won’t stick. Perhaps that was a part of it. I wanted to find my happy then. And I still do want that. I want to get back to that. But I also need to make changes for my health. I want to be around a long time! Now that I’ve found a life that makes me happy, I want to enjoy it.
I find comfort in food. It is always there for you. It is delicious. I like eating. So much of our society revolves around food- or drink-focused celebrations. From birthday cakes to happy hours, most gatherings at my age mean food and or beverages! And that’s fun.
But sadly, most foods I love and often turn to in times of stress are not healthy. They’re hurting my body. They’re decreasing my longevity. I keep thinking of the analogy that you wouldn’t put sugar in your car’s gas tank, would you? Of course not, because that would destroy your car. So why do you do it to your body? You only get one. You’ve got to make it last.
So, yes, I am using the new year to start over, to hit the reset on my diet and behavior. Call it a resolution. Call it drive. But in I’m going to do it. I’m going succeed. And I am going to get back into a healthier shape, not for others, not for a “resolution,” but for me and for those I love.
If you’re thinking about quitting by Jan. 10, that’s OK. Just remember, tomorrow is another day. And you can start a new you any old date on the calendar. If you desire a change, make it! Don’t wait for society to tell you that today is your day. Go out and grab it any old time you choose!
