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I Solemnly Swear and Resolve To...

I'm slower than the rest of you. Everyone's already listed and discussed their New Year's resolutions. I hope that your dedication and resolve have not withered away. It is only day numbered three. Here's what I have been mulling over and have decided to address thus far. I may add to this listing if I am so inspired. So it goes like this:


  • Complete my dissertation. At times it has felt like wrestling with the Kraken and other times the thoughts and words flow so easily. I'm close, really close to wrapping this up. I've been dissatisfied directionally at times. I am becoming more comfortable knowing that this is part of the process. Ebb and flow. My chair gave me a compliment in our last meeting, she said (in the context of our discussion about struggling with this) that I was approaching this from a creative perspective. I don't think she realized what a compliment that was. And she's correct, it would be easier to produce a product that is stamped "public health dissertation" in a rather uniform way. Of course I have to make things harder than they are and go another route. She's been wonderful in reminding me that after this is completed that I can revisit this data and approach it from a more narrative way. There are books waiting to be written from this data. The conversations I had with those kind and generous 24 men were rich, descriptive and brimming with life experiences, perspectives and stories. This is stuff for the future. Still, I want to be sure that whatever I am producing right now is imbued with their personalities and is true to what they shared. 
  • Eat closer to the earth. Of course I have health issues that can be better resolved by doing this, but I want to eat real food, not overly processed and packaged calories. Not a hater of food items, I just feel the need and desire to eat closer to the actual food sources. When possible, I want to support local food sources and local food eateries. If I can do just one thing this year, it would be to never again set foot in another McDonald's. From my perspective, it's not real food. Really it's not. 
  • Just say NO to potatoes. I cannot resist this vegetable...the bane of my weight issues...I cannot just eat a little...there is no little when it comes to chips, fries, mashed or baked...sigh... Po-tay-toes! Boil'em, mash'em, stick 'em in a stew...lovely big golden chips with a nice piece of fried fish.
  • Along with eating closer to the earth, I want to cook more this year. I've never been known for my culinary skills, but then practice makes perfect...right?
  • Walk more. I enjoy exercising and my health scare the whole latter part of 2012 reinforced what I already knew. I benefit from regular exercise. I like to lift weights, my body responds to this form of exercise agreeably and rewards me with lower blood sugar levels and increased health and vitality. However, I don't walk near as much as I should. Part of it is related to neuropathy, but part of it is that I don't take the time to just walk. 
  • I need to be outside more. Period
  • I want to support those causes that I believe in. Whether volunteering or monetarily my help and support are needed. Why should I wait for someone else to contribute when I am able? 
  • Balance in life. There is an ebb and flow to things, sometimes I'm riding along the wave and other times I fight against the current. Find balance in all things. Live in the moment, be available, be observant, be thankful,  be mindful. 
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