Tools for Transformation Tuesday: Reset

If you are like me, you enter a new year full of enthusiasm and ready for a fresh start. As the holiday festivities wind down, you target January 1 to jump into (or out of) whatever habits you have identified as ripe for change.

New Year's Day arrives, and you find yourself in a honeymoon period - of course you can find time to read, run, cook, [insert desired habit here] - it's a holiday! But a day or two (or more) later, you return to work or school, and by the time you get resettled, half a month has passed, and you realize your most sincere intentions have fallen victim to old routines...

If this sounds familiar, I have a secret to share (...shh...don't tell anyone...) Improving and removing aren't limited to January 1! Some habits are harder to break and some routines more challenging to start than others. It may take more than a goal or resolution to alter a long-held pattern - and you may not be able to do it alone. That is why I was thrilled when my church announced a 10 day "reset" fast beginning last week. The idea was to join together as a community in giving something up for 10 days to make room for greater clarity and (re)establish healthy boundaries in our lives. A fast doesn't necessitate giving up food, but I recommend choosing something equally important in your routine - whether coffee, wine, social media, or anything else you look forward to and will miss.  This will keep your pursuit at the forefront of your mind all day, every day.

Over the past 8 days (just two to go!), I have appreciated this opportunity to take a closer life at the habits and patterns in my life, and when I feel tempted, I am grateful for the camaraderie of those sharing the journey.

Is there an area of your life that needs to be reset? Can you ask a friend, partner, or higher power to help you take a small step toward an important change? 

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