MADAWASKA, Maine — The New Year is fast approaching, and it is time to reflect on the year behind and think about how to get a good jump start on the year ahead. For many people, this means making New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, such resolutions are more often broken than kept.
Here are a few resolutions to and some advice to consider.
The most common resolution is to eat healthier and exercise, according to a YouGov poll. For some people, that may include losing weight. However, the FDA suggests to be mindful of quick fix weight loss supplements.
“If claims sound too good to be true, they probably are,” said the press officer for the FDA Lindsay Haake. “Consumers need to be mindful of product claims such as ‘works better than [a prescription drug],’ ‘totally safe,’ or has ‘no side effects.’”
Instead of going for a quick fix, Madawaska Paramedic Jessica Pelletier said she plans to be more active and keep up with her healthy eating lifestyle by following the keto diet that has done wonders for her and her husband, Lt. Jamie Pelletier of the Madawaska Police Department.
“[Keto] was simple for me when I was doing it regularly,” she said.
Pelletier added that she would continue using her carb counting app called Carb Manager, and following the Keto page she follows on Facebook to keep her on track with her goal. As for being more active, Pelletier said she is going to park farther away when going to stores, and take 15 to 20 minute walks each day.
“I’ve never truly done a New Year’s resolution before, so this will be my first true resolution,” she said.
Pelletier is not alone in making physical health her primary resolution. Madawaska resident Christina Gendreau vowed to make three resolutions for the 2019 — improve her physical and emotional health, go smoke-free, and contribute to the community.
“I will be restarting my yoga and eating healthy again,” she said. “This is my constant resolution as of four years now and each year I get a little better at it.”
Gendreau lost her grandmother in February and said it made her realize how “bad” she is to her body.
“For my family and loved ones, [going smoke-free] is something I need to do,” she said.
Finally, Gendreau said she makes a point of coming up with a resolution every year to “pay it forward.”
“I want to give back to my community each month, whether it is a donation of clothing, food, or volunteering,” she said. “I like to walk a little in other people’s shoes to humble me and remind myself that you get what you give.”
Madawaska School Department Superintendent Gisele Dionne said her resolution is to practice gratitude.
“My resolution is to be more reflective and grateful every day,” Dionne said. “Grateful for my family, friends and community; grateful for my work, grateful for my health, and grateful to be able to get up every day and remind myself that I am blessed.”
As the year comes to a close and people reflect on the year, many will sum it up as either good or bad. However, to sum up the year in one word so definitive as good or bad cheats all of the different experiences a year can bring.
For Shannon Berube, the closing of a year of heartache brings hope and blessings for the new year. Berube lost her fiance in a car accident in April 2018, but remains a strong mother to her children.
“I have never been able to keep my New Year’s resolutions, but this year I am no matter what,” she said. “My resolution this year is to not take anything for granted, to be thankful for everything in my life, and at the end of each day feel blessed to be alive.”
