New Year Revolution: Advice for a Healthy Lifestyle

Make haste … slowly

Welcome to 2012! I do hope that this year has started well for you. Have you followed the time-honoured tradition and set a few goals for 2012? One cynic describes a New Year’s resolution as ‘something that goes in one year and out the other’, but they can be a really good idea. That is, if we set realistic resolutions and follow a plan. Otherwise we’re just paying lip service to the idea of change, aren’t we?

This War Cry offers advice from a Wellington GP, Dr Alana Wilson, for those of us wanting to tackle health and wellbeing issues this year. I like Alana’s advice to start small. The odd step backwards is to be expected, she says. ‘Just give it another go, do it another way—no one’s perfect, so don’t expect to get it right straight away.’

In any positive change, inspiration and motivation are the keys to reaching our goals. Without these, our best intentions remain just that. So, at the start of this year, take some time to identify one or more areas where you’d like to make change (in other words, set a few goals), write down why you you’d like to make those changes (identify what motivates you), and then seek out some inspiration to keep you on track. That could include tracking down some good reading material, seeking advice from experts, or simply gaining a pledge from a few friends that they’ll be part of your 2012 cheerleading team.

And don’t overlook the value of setting some spiritual growth goals this year. Realise the value that regular church attendance and involvement in the life of your local church can make in keeping you inspired and motivated.

There’s wisdom in the old saying: make haste slowly. The best changes in life demand the investment of long-term work and commitment. But you know you’re worth it!

Major Christina Tyson

Bible Verse

Psalm 16:11 Good News Translation
You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.

Nga Waiata 16:11
Ka whakakitea mai e koe ki ahau te huarahi o te ora; kei tou aroaro te hari nui, kei tou mātau ngā āhuareka e kore e mutu.