I think I’m not the only one thinking about New Year’s Resolutions today, last week, and at the beginning of this new year.  Sure, I want to lose those stubborn 20 pounds that have been with me far too long.  Sure, I want to be in better shape.

I want to shed those pounds, but don’t know if I should follow my own food plan, which is very good (Joy of Weight Loss), the diet and fitness program by which I’ve lost 150 pounds and maintained it over 17 years.  Or should I do a low-carb?  Or a juice fast for 21 days – and get those pounds off fast?  Or – how about last year’s Norris J. Chumley Give-Back Diet?  A lot of people really liked it, and it worked for many.

I should step up the physical stamina exercises; go to the gym more often; step up the cardiovascular. Dance and play more, right?

Or are these high-exercise, juice fast, low-carb, etc. too violent a shock to my body and psyche?  I’m thinking a lot today about violence and the useless, senseless shooting of Gabrielle Giffords and the six who were killed, and the many who were hurt.  I’m quite shocked about that, as is everyone.

Why are we so violent?  Why do people buy guns and shoot people?  It’s crazy.  That’s all.  Why do we torment ourselves with harsh diets?

I’m for peace.  I’m for compassion.  I’m for being gentle and kind, and non-violent.  Thoughts and words are far more powerful in the long run than violent acts.  Gentle repeated actions add up to change.  Long lasting change, without violence.