Friday, January 2, 2015

New Year's Resolutions




This will be the first time in many years that I am not making a resolution to lose weight.  Since last March, with further modifications to what has been a vegetarian diet for 19 years, I have taken off over 15% of my prior weight by moving to a plant-based diet often called "Eat to Live."  I've focused on my core muscles with Pilates and yoga classes at the University Y.  The upshot?  I sleep better, I have more energy, and my arthritic knees feel sooooo much better!  Having waited nine months to see if I could keep the weight off, I donated a large number of pantsuits with accessories to the YWCA "Dress for Success" program just before Christmas.

My other big step forward last year was to stick with learning to paint in watercolor.  The classes, led by Jan Morris and available through the city parks department, require me to step away from my office for about 3 hours on a weekday...they take me out of my comfort zone since I am a rank amateur.  I will be continuing with watercolor, yoga and Pilates, and  walking at Green Lake in 2015.

So the big resolution is not about weight, but rather about focus.  I have not made time to work on my Executives and Risk book this past year.  And I've cut back somewhat on public speaking.  Both are possible, even with my regular consulting and teaching engagements, if I sit down and schedule it.  My first venture out of the country this year will be in February, to Amsterdam again, for the international OpRisk2015 conference, where I'll be part of the debate faculty.

I wish each of you a happy and productive New Year!