On resolutions

It’s the first day of the new year – traditionally a time for resolutions to be made. My own tradition is not to make them – or at least not at this time of the year. Yes, after a Christmas season of excess, making vows to stop drinking, eat better, exercise more and shout less at the children may be enticing, but should be avoided at all costs!

It’s January, the days are short and dark, the weather is cold and dreary. Could there be any worse time to engage in self flagellation? The odds are stacked against success. The gym is packed and you can’t schedule a fitness class for love nor money – even your body’s natural circadian rhythms are inclined to clutch on to those few extra pounds for warmth. The bleakness of Winter stretches ahead for months and with the festivities of Christmas behind us, there is no respite on the horizon. Now is the time of year to curl up on the sofa with a glass of red or a hot chocolate, eat comforting baked potatoes and warming stews. When the watery sunlight of Spring returns will be time enough for me to shed the chunky jumpers, pull on my sports leggings and drag myself round the block.

Until then, I’m going to cut myself some slack and enjoy the good things Winter brings without worrying about breaking promises to myself. Oh, and I’m going to blog. Well, it’s no coincidence that this first post is on January 1st!