February Promises

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” – Thomas Merton

“Keep every promise you make and only make promises you can keep.” – Anthony Hitt

As February enters, the energy, enthusiasm and rush of New Year’s resolutions have waned. You’ve either made progress, are stuck, disappointed, encouraged or a combination of it all. We make big plans and forgo the daily practices and habits to transform them into changed behavior and new destinations.

While it feels like it’s time to give up on resolutions, now is the precise time reflect, recalibrate and promise to keep moving and starting new each day. Promises are commitments that we make with our heart. If your heart isn’t in it then you’re going in the wrong direction. Spend the next week asking yourself what you want more of in your life like laughter, joy, a renewed sense of wonder.

In the beginning of January, I chose to do the 30-Day Mindfulness Challenge with Insight Timer, in addition to my daily meditation practice. I wrote everyday for Cast Light. Not all of the posts were complete, perfect or finished to where they could have been, but I overcame resistance by doing it imperfectly. I’ve been active daily with snowshoeing or running, “dog parking” with the girls to be reminded of simple joy of open spaces to run freely and with abandon.

Make promises to yourself and hold them up with resolve and daily imperfect action.

“Wise to resolve, and patient to perform.” – Homer