The new year is here. For me, it is always more than a new year, or a new chapter…
I always set out to write a whole new book!
Yes, even the living and surviving through the year of a pandemic, the year ends on a positive note. I became a grandmother at the beginning of the year and ending the year expecting my next grandchild coming in April 2021. Completed my second year of living in Colorado and working at FSP Family Wellness Center. Blessed with many opportunities, continued good health and furthered my adventures in tiny living.
So do you make yearly resolutions and what do they really mean to you?
Resolutions by definition with regards to the new year is to have a resolve or the determination to make a promise to do something, an action or course of action, method or procedure to reach a goal. I have for the most part always made my resolution each new year about weight lose. Obviously if each year I am making the same resolutions, then I have not been very successful or committed. Back in 2012, I had decided to make it more than just losing weight. I wanted to be healthier, more active and happy. That was the beginning of my mind shift. As with anything you want to be successful at, you have to do more than just say it, you have to have a plan of action, break things down into daily tasks, smaller goals so you don’t become overwhelmed or give up, write them down. You also need to have a realistic goal and be able to explain and understand the mental picture of what you want and how you will accomplish your resolution. I’m not going lie, that process is easier said than done but still attainable.
I wanted to lose 50 pounds. That wasn't going to make me super model size considering according to the fashion world, this would still make me a plus size, but let’s get real, the fashion industry is the one who has an unrealistic vision of what healthy and beautiful are. I was unsuccessful in 2012 and again in 2013. I allowed the stress and emotional turmoil in my life derail me, once again.
It wasn't until a couple of health scares (years apart from each other) that I was at my rock bottom and was able to make the commitment to myself for my health and wellbeing. In September of 2014 (I didn't wait until the New Year), I joined a boot camp that came with huge accountability and you were rewarded with earning your money back if you succeeded! 20 pounds in 6 weeks. It was intense with strict clean eating and movement 6 days a week.
I did this program twice (two camps back to back and lost 20 pounds) and it was just what I needed to instil in me the discipline needed to move forward on my own. I learned about meal planning and prepping, eating whole foods vs processed foods and movement at different levels and became proficient They offered their own line of supplements but I had also stumbled across a line of supplements (Plexus) that a friend was promoting and opted to use them instead. For me their focus was more on gut health than weight loss and since my focus had shifted as well to being healthier than thinner it turned out to be the perfect match to help me to not only reach my goals but sustain them not for 6 years.
Taking time for ‘ME’ is another way to get, be and stay happy. It is also not always easy to be selfish and spoil yourself. I generally am more concerned about my kids or others vs. myself. Pampering yourself and being selfish doesn’t have to mean spending lots of money or time away from others. It can be as easy as having some alone time to watch your favorite movie, tv show, read a book, take a hike or walk.
Another mind shift I had during my transformation was treating or rewarding myself with the unhealthy habits I avoided for the week or month while I was becoming healthier. On the topic of cheat days or meals, it was once explained to me; you are not a dog and don't need an unhealthy cheat meal or (food) treat for your successful healthy habits. Instead reward your health with more activities (take a trip to hike, walk), buy yourself a new outfit, new shoes (instead of that overloaded calorie spiked expensive meal), get a facial, a mani/pedi or plan time with family and friends and just invest in being present with the people that are important in your life.
I love the industry of helping others. I’ve been involved in customer service and administrative work for 30 plus years. About a year into my healthy journey / transformation, I decided this new found passion for being the best version of myself needed to be a bigger part of my life. I utilized my experience in marketing and social media networking to continue my journey by contributing and being an asset in helping others realize their health goals and started building an online community of like minded individuals ( Ms. Shannon's Journey )
So again, I ask you. What do resolutions mean to you? Which ones will you be making again?
Get off the perpetual rollercoaster this year and join me!
Happy New Year! Wishing everyone the courage and strength to follow your dreams and to do the right thing in 2021! Thank you for being a part of my life!
Shannon Tripp ©
*originally written in 2011, rewrote for updates 2021*
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