I was a real pig over the holidays. I ate and drank with abandonment and gained eight pounds.
Now that all the partying has stopped and I’m back to work – I’m committed to losing that extra weight and then some. All my clothes are tight-fitting and I refuse to buy a new wardrobe.
I’m also committed to yet another New Year’s resolution, one that I think any middle age guy can relate to. I’m committed to bringing more happiness into my life.
I got the idea from a health and wellness newsletter published by the Mayo Clinic that my wife gets each month from her work.
“A New Year’s resolution doesn’t have to involve sweat and suffering,” the newsletter said. “Making a resolution to bring more happiness into your life is great investment in your emotional and health and well-being.”
Among the suggestions:
– Think about activities that could do that would make you happier in the coming year – maybe it’s something like committing more time to fishing or hunting with a buddy, joining a poker club, a bowling league or a running club.
– Choose things to do that fit your personality and play into your strengths, interests and values.
– Be realistic. Consider obstacles such as cost, time and logistics.
The article ended with a paragraph that emphasized something that I’ve been saying all along about middle age guys – specifically, that having close, male friends that they get together with regularly and being socially connected is a crucial element to happiness in life.
I’ve found many men are in denial about this.
“Research shows that leisure activities can help reduce stress,” the article said. “If your leisure activities are social in nature, you may also gain a sense of belonging and feel better about yourself.”
Food for thought.
Recent Comments