Clean Slate

Image credit:  https://theparentcue.org/wipe-the-slate-clean

This time of year, especially at the beginning of a decade, messages abound on various media and in our social circles that point to the opportunities of a "clean slate."  Much like the proverbial "glass half [empty/full]" can always be refilled, the "slates" of life can always be swiped clean again, can't they?  In truth, the moment - any moment - every moment - is a fresh chance to begin, to reset, to approach all aspects of life in a "new" way.  There's no reason to postpone progress to the first of a week or the first of a month or the first of a year; nor is there any purpose in feeling defeated when a start is met with a stop, whether internally or externally induced.  Resolutions, then, are limitless in scope and no proper cause for self-judgment or grounds for surrender of goals.

It's a couple weeks into 2020 as I wax philosophical at my keyboard, and already the gym's parking lot was less congested than it had been Monday.  My regular 0530 crew of "repeat offenders" continue to show; and while we are always glad to see "newbies," the attrition is no surprise once the "New Year" is less new. 

Are you just beginning - or restarting?  Great!  I hope everyone you encounter is kind and encouraging, that you advocate for yourself by asking for assistance when you need it, and that you stay your course.  You will fail - we all do - to be perfect.  Humans are not meant to be perfect, and no matter how resolute you are, things will happen to throw you off track.  But take heart, the track didn't dissolve when you detoured; you can start with the next decision and get "right back on the horse." 

Yes, there are myriad metaphors here in these lines, but the message isn't cliche. 

 There will likely be more metaphor and simile here, because word pictures work!  

Just because you veered from your intended route, that doesn't mean you cannot "recalculate," as GPS devices are fond of saying.  Keep your promises to yourself, even if it means offering grace when you don't.

Jotting with Johnna:

• Have you felt that your efforts are "all or nothing?"
• How might you revise your mindset with the experience of "dropping the ball" on your goals?    
• Does perfectionism elicit self-hate when your performance is sub-par?
• Might "built-in-breaks" be part of your "plan" from the beginning - how might those bits of mercy change your overall success rate?
• What can you say to yourself or do for yourself when the inevitable slump or pit-stop threatens your forward momentum?

Remember:
Every breath is a beginning.  You are so very worthy of whatever it takes to get you drinking the water, taking the walk, lifting the things...

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.