Savor Life...Once Again

​Sparkle and Shine
Savor Life...Once Again
By Joan Bender

Savor  life. That has been my New Year's Resolution for the last few years, and I'm sticking with it again this year. In the past, setting resolutions didn’t work for me. They always seemed like a chore. They seemed like something that I “should” do, but really don't want to. They seem like things that required discipline or deprivation, and they made me feel like I had to fix things about myself. 
Like many people, I chose things to work on to better myself. I would start out strong for a day or two, and then it would be forgotten completely, and quite honestly, I didn't care, because I really didn't want to set a resolution anyway. I only did it, because it was what everyone else was doing, and I felt I "should" be doing it to. So how did I start savoring life?

It started following a couple of years of big losses. My mom was the first to go in December 2011. My Dad followed her four months later in April 2012, and then my Uncle had an unexpected, and tragic accident in September 2013. Losing our loved ones has a big impact on how we see ourselves and the world around us. For me, it opened my eyes to the fact that we are here on this big, beautiful earth to be happy, admire the beauty around us and enjoy the life we’ve been given.

It took me a couple of weeks of soul searching back in January 2015, but I finally found a resolution that makes me happy, and I have been savoring everything life has to offer since then.  It’s a resolution that I can be excited about and stand behind.  Of course, I occasionally get off track like everyone else, but when I do, I’m reminded of my resolution, and rather than feel like I have to fix something about myself, I start savoring.

I savor the moment as a way of keeping me from getting stuck in the past or worried about the future. I savor the beauty all around me- the trees, sky, sun, moon, stars, flowers, mountains, rivers, oceans, animals and all other man made and nature made things. I savor the time spent with my family, friends, clients and new acquaintances. I savor every bite that I eat and drink, whether it is a green smoothie or my favorite ice cream.  I taste every flavor, feel every texture, and connect with how every food I eat feels in my body. I savor my morning walks with my dog, and every stretch and pose in yoga class.  I savor my sleepy, lazy times without guilt. I savor every breath I take, and express gratitude for the beautiful life that has been given to me.
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Do you feel passionate about your new year’s resolution? If not, you can. Go ahead and change it. Really, you can. It's never too. It's your life. You make the rules. 
 jbenderwellness.com
New York, USA