Every new year brings about sparks of inspiration for individuals to use as ways to make shifts or life changes. ‘Tis the season for resolutions.
“Make new goals or resolutions fun,” shares Rachel Nelson, a yoga teacher and life coach based in Eagle. “Don’t make them out of obligation or ‘shoulds.’ And it’s always easier if you get a buddy, so you can hold each other accountable and support each other in your goals.”
I polled the following Vail Valley locals to see what ideas they have about interesting changes that can be made or habits that can be embraced in the new year.
“Being healthy and making healthy choices, to me, is an individual idea,” says Osha Groetz, partner of Green Elephant Juicery. “It could and should look different to all of us. Unrealistic goals are just that … unrealistic. What does healthy look like to me? Happy, homemade meals, with a little junk in the trunk (just a little) that I keep in check.”
Chris Anthony, Warren Miller athlete and founder of the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project
“Take a few breaths before hitting the send on email or text responses. Step away, read again then decide if this it response is for the best.”
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“I say this every year. But this year, I need to read more. Specifically about the Greatest Generation because our present society has lost touch with reality.”
John Mark Seelig, owner of GOAT Training
“You can get stronger and more durable. Age is just a number and your life is not ending. You can still do the things you love, but you have to be smarter about how you approach it.”
“Do something new and do something that scares you. Create some positive stress in your life and watch the body and mind adapt to it. Sign up for a race, try a new sport, lift weights for the first time, take a dance class or go on an adventure.”
Osha Groetz, partner of Green Elephant Juicery
“My body loves when I eat salads. How many salads do I really want to eat though? So I made a resolution to make all of my own dressings and explore dressing recipes. I eat a lot more salads now because I make them more interesting and fun. Fresh herbs just taste better and I like being able to pronounce all the ingredients.”
“In warmer months I train and run races and enjoy outdoor exercise. In the winter I tend to stay closer to the heater because I never thought I would get very far running with layers and battling the cold. I had an epiphany this month that I actually don’t need to get far; it’s not the point. So now I’m trying to run one mile four days a week. Who’s keeping track of my mileage anyways? Now, I just feel better.”
Dave Chapin, Town of Vail Mayor
“My resolution is to try and volunteer more of my time to help an organization, event or individual with my personal presence in helping those fore mentioned. Giving money is easy, giving your own time is much more of a commitment. It goes without saying how important financial donations are but human volunteering hours are just as critical. I understand for many reasons this isn’t possible for all, but for me trying to commit some more time to volunteering even if just for a few causes is my resolution.”
Gretchen Hovey, co-owner of Hovey & Harrison
“I’m going selfish for this year’s resolution. After having a baby and opening a business within five months of each other I lost myself in the mix. Honestly, it’s like the masks on the airplane—you have to take care of yourself first so you can be alive (seriously though) to take care of anyone else.”
“Spend time outside—it’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual goodness. It’s my blanket statement resolution that I’m pretty sure will spearhead all the other things. Ideally that means skiing, hiking, running and even hot tubbing and sledding with the family. But it could also be a walk around the building, taking 10 minutes to recharge and breathe in some fresh air. Getting outside every day, for at least 10 minutes. It’s simple, do-able, and easily accountable. That’s my resolution.”
Brian Sipes, president of Sipes Architects
“Listen to music and sketch. Both are high voltage ways to recharge the creative batteries and focus the mind on subtleties often overlooked in our fast paced life.”
“Practice tolerance. Being tolerant is one thing, but to practice means actively engaging with others of different perspectives and life experience and listen. Understand and find common ground. It will take many small stitches to heal the wounds of division we face.”
Karen Jarchow, professional mountain bike athlete
“Instead of setting resolutions, I make a point to set an intention or choose a mantra for the year ahead. For 2018, my internal dialog was ‘own it’ to ignite confidence in all that I do; working in the bike industry, racing professionally and stepping up as the owner of our local kids mountain bike program. Coming back to this simple mantra helped me stay on track and face goals knowing I could get the job done without any external influence.”
Garrett Scahill, head brewer at Vail Brewing Company
“Spend more time with your kids. We all get crazy with work and life. Maybe take them out of school for a day and go skiing or biking. They’re only getting older and you can’t get this time back.”
“Reducing screen time. Put your phone to bed at night and relax. Whatever it is can wait until the morning.”
Jessica Heaney, founder of Vail Relationship Institute
“Commit to investing in your relationship: when was the last time you invested in your relationship and deeply gave it some needed TLC? Develop rituals of connection and check out … a Mindful Couples Workshop (www.vailrelationshipinstitute.com/mindful-couples-workshop).”
“Create tech-free time for yourself and your family: disconnecting to reconnect is the latest trend. Gather iPhones, Apple watches and all other devices to be together face-to-face. Game night anyone?”
“Give back: research confirms giving back and volunteering have better results than anti-depressants. Create resolutions that give your time, skills and energy to help others. Better yet, do this with those you love for bigger impact.”
Sean Hanagan, Eagle County staff planner
“Compete more at things you aren’t great at or have never done. Be it a podium finish, a DFL (Dead F**king Last) or even a DNF (Did Not Finish), you are better for being there. Plus, you will get stronger as a side effect.”
“Make a Bucket List and write it down. Want to raft the Grand Canyon? Do a long hut trip? Get your Avy 1 training? Mental lists are fine but writing it down will provide additional motivation and help you build up to your goals. That list can help you be strategic in finding new friend groups as well.”
Rachel Nelson, Roots to Wings Coaching
“Instead of the old ‘go to the gym more’ resolution maybe try one new physical activity a week or month. Examples: new fitness class or a sport you haven’t tried yet. I think this works for anyone, especially if you are not a gym person. And you never know, a new sport or class could be just what you need or what you have been looking for and could surprise you and be life changing. A rule I have for myself is I am not allowed to have an opinion on something if I have not done it or tried it.”
“Look at your values, things that are important to you, set goals around those things. For example if you value time with friends … set a goal to have at least one or two friend dates a month. Or if you value health and food, something like cooking, make one to three whole food fresh meals a week. “
“Think outside the box of all the typical resolutions, gym, eating healthy, etcetera. Remember our minds spirits, and souls all need some love and attention also. Create goals that support those parts of yourself too. Take a photography class, join a book club, take a meditation class, etcetera.”
Nicole Magistro, owner of The Bookworm of Edwards
“I’m not huge on New Year’s resolutions because I feel like any old day is a good day to make a change.”
“A couple good books I’d recommend to get inspired are:
‘G’morning, G’night’ by Lin-Manuel Miranda
‘How Not To Die’ by Michael Greger
‘Letters for a Year of Gratitude’ by Lea Redmond”
Brett Donenson, founder and executive director of The Cycle Effect
“I usually pick 2 to 3 ‘bigger’ things that I am committed to checking off of my list for the upcoming year. Past ones have been a surf trip, buying a sprinter, alpine skiing again, a long running race, etcetera. I never know which of them will happen or exactly how they will happen, but one or more always do. Now, every year I pick a couple and because I have chosen those, my mind is constantly working to make them happen.”
“Spend time with your dog. I have figured out that a short hike or road trip with our dog is one of the best places for me to be. I certainly don’t do it enough, but being with him always allows me the ability to clear my head and refocus on the more important parts of my day.”
Slade Cogswell, owner of 970 Design
“No New Year’s resolution arrival would be complete without some concrete ideas on being a responsible consumer and better environmentalist.”
“I will be asking more brands what they stand for and using my dollars to support organizations and goods that are taking steps to protect our environment and support social responsibility. I will also look at my company’s and personal habits to see where I can make a larger impact.”
