Journey in Self-Appreciation

I guess because it is still the beginning of the year I am still stuck on the topic of resolutions. I am probably like many other people who made lofty promises to themselves and now find myself struggling to make it happen. I read an article in Yoga Journal Magazine called, "Nuture the New You". What touched me most about this article was: "without self-judgement recognize how the habit you are trying to change creates suffering and stress (including your habit of being hard on yourself). Then acknowledge your desire to be free from this suffering." 

This is my meditation today. I joke with my friends when they are beating themselves up and tell them to stop it. I suggest that they should get on any highway in NY or NJ, drive in the left lane at about 30 mph and people will be lining up to beat them up. Critics are easy to find! People that love and support you, not so much. So, why not start the trend? You're not so bad, actually, you're kind of great. Think about it....

You found a way to improve your life that will bring you more joy. Just because you struggle to break the habit of being you, doesn't make you unworthy. Instead it makes you courageous! Thought habits become visceral over time and then they are hard coded not just in our thoughts, but in our muscles and neurons.

Which one of us hasn't had this conversation? 

Tell me the phone number? 

Uh, wait, I don't know it... I have to dial it first.

Why? because the information is hard coded into your muscles. Well, if you have spent a lifetime procrastinating.... that must be hard coded! Be as kind to yourself as you would be to another going through the same thing. Don't throw out your resolution because you skipped a day. Re-affirm yourself in your journey and know that it is one of a million steps taken one at a time.