Resolutions take a different tack this year — sort of

Since about birth, I’ve made basically the same New Year’s resolution:

Lose weight.

Clearly, this does not make me at all unique, given that it seems about half the population vows on Dec. 31 to do the exact same thing. (Starting, of course, tomorrow.)

And as I’ve mentioned more than a couple times in this very column, I’ve kept exactly one resolution that I can remember — which was to drink more water.

This should give you an idea of my success rate with the whole weight-loss thing.

So this year, in an effort to up my chances of following through with my self-improvement promises, I’ve decided to take a different tack and make what I hope to be a few more attainable goals: Make more of an impact on the world and less on the planet, pursue my passions, form healthier habits, and become a generally more fulfilled human being.

Piece of cake, right?

If you don’t think it seems easier than my standard pick, well, you underestimate just how much this shorty likes her food.

In the week that’s passed since I made my decrees — by which I mean I mentioned them to Dan while he was attempting to watch a movie — I’ve tried hard to break these goals down daily, and take whatever actions I can that day to be better.

I made shelters out of plastic totes, Styrofoam coolers and straw for the homeless cats in my neighborhood.

After seeing a post about a kitty stranded out in the cold at a Circle K, I jumped in my car and Circle K-ed it until I found her, coaxed her into my car and got her to safety.

I’ve taken home every plastic bottle and can I’ve come across, to put in my personal recycling bin, when there wasn’t one available on the premises. (Really, people, these things should be everywhere by now, and be required to use by law. Let’s get with it.)

I’ve begun looking into online courses related to the few interests I have that aren’t TV-bingeing, clothes-purchasing or potato-eating. I’m asking around about volunteer opportunities. And I am currently in the process of sorting through my coats, sweaters and boots to donate to area charities.

I bought pasta made from “supergreens,” even though I know it’ll probably be terrible.

And I’ve even managed to make most of my meals dairy-free (baby steps here — a girl doesn’t attain this perfect pear shape from being indifferent about cheese, I can tell you).

I’ve packed a good bit into the past seven days, and for the most part, it’s actually been pretty enjoyable. Even the whole vegan thing — on a morality level, if not a flavor one, it felt good.

Did it feels as good as thin does? Jury’s still out there.

I mean, it’s one thing to be a happy, fulfilled, contributing, active, compassionate, giving, conscientious member of society.

It’s another one entirely to be skinny.

Which is more rewarding, at least for me?

It’s too early to say.

Check back with me in a few months and I’ll tell you.

Hopefully by then I’ll have experienced a little of both.

Because, honestly, let’s not kid ourselves.

I may have switched up my resolution routine a tad.

But I didn’t get a lobotomy.

You know I threw in “lose weight” there at the end of my list.

Just in case it sticks this time.

Katie McDowell is a lifestyles writer/copy editor for The Dominion Post. Email her at kmcdowell@dominionpost.
com.