It’s that time again…Every January I dread going to the gym because of how crowded it gets. While I don’t want to be a jerk, I have to admit that the New Years Resolution-ers bug me. While exercise is great for your mind and body and if the only time you can get motivated to get moving is January 1st, so be it, but it’s, like, why can’t we just take care of ourselves all year round? Why wait until January? Why not start a new regimen in, say, September? Why do we listen to the media voices that tell us to indulge like crazy (and feel guilty) all through December and then vow to “get back in shape” once the hangover clears? Oh wait, I remember—it’s because balanced approaches don’t sell as well.

I’m not a fan of resolutions, especially weight-loss resolutions and other midnight promises that involve restrictive, unrealistic guidelines. While I do think it’s perfectly sane and healthy to decide you want to take good care of yourself, I have a big problem with the way our culture pushes the whole “New Year, New You!” thing, pressuring us to buy diet products and workout gear and Finally! Lose! Those! Last! Five! Pounds! I can’t open a magazine or click on a health-related website without seeing an ad promising me I can lose x pounds in y days/weeks/months.

Gag me.

That said, I do kind of like the idea that what you do on January 1st can set the stage for a year in which you stay true to yourself and your needs. Judging by my New Years Day, I suppose it’s safe to say that I want my 2010 to hold a lot of yoga, ukulele-playing, roasted vegetables, and gatherings with friends.

Hope your 2010 is off to a beautiful, peaceful start!