New Year; new things; new you

There is a saying that a new year is like a new chapter in a book.  Whatever happened last year, is done.  The past cannot be brought back nor changed.  However, if there were lessons to be learnt, then hopefully it was and we can move forward.  That is why a car’s front window is bigger than the back window – it is a reminder for us to look forward and not back.  Life is not a destination, but a journey.  Each day (not just each new year), is another blessing given to us to enjoy life to the fullest, to grow and to learn.  The world around us is changing; even though it might not be visible to the naked eye, one can feel it.    When you tune in and listen with your heart, then you will notice that earth is going through changes herself.  It is as if a cleansing process is taking place; not just on the physical planes, but also emotionally and spiritually.

A new year, just like a new day, is a time for us to write a new chapter; to start something new; or to let go of that which doesn’t serve us anymore.  Many people start each year with 1 / more new year’s resolutions, but not everyone accomplishes it.  Why?  There are many reasons why people don’t stick to their resolutions.  It can be anything from either having too many things on the list, or it is because, whatever the resolution is, it is what your head tells you to do, not your heart.  What do I mean?  In a nutshell, if you want to achieve something, then you must commit whole-heartedly; doing something just for the sake of doing it, you will find not many people committing to it long-term.

For example, if your new year’s resolution is to exercise more, then you should do it because you want to, not because you have to.  Think of something you really enjoy doing and recognize how you feel when you do it.  When you can feel the same way about a new year’s resolution, then you will achieve your goal much easier; and you will enjoy the journey as well!  It is wonderful to have a goal that you want to work towards at the start of a new year.  Just make sure that it is not something that is going to overwhelm you.  Using the previous example again; if you want to exercise more, but hate the gym, opt for doing something at home, online, or outdoors.  Starting off slowly (in this case once a week), and working it up to say 3 times per week after a month or 2, is a far better way to kickstart a good habit.  When you want to do too many things all at once, or too much too soon, then you either feel burnt out or lose interest faster.

A good habit is like a good wine.  Instead of gulping the wine down, you sip it and enjoy the smell and taste.  The same goes for a new year’s resolution.  Whatever you want to achieve, you have to want to do it, enjoy what you are doing and be happy about it.  When you make a decision, only in your headspace, you tend to lose interest.  When there are emotions involved, in other words, when your heart and head are in sync about it, then you’ll not only enjoy it more, but will continue doing it year after year, day after day.

New Year’s resolutions are not everybody’s cup of tea.  For many people it seems like a waste of time or energy, while others don’t have anything specific in mind, that they either want to change or achieve.  That is ok!  Just being present, appreciating what we have, nature, the people in our lives, our pets, and so forth, are great.  A resolution doesn’t have to be something big – it can be something simple like waking up earlier to watch a sunrise, or drinking less coffee.  It can even be making more time for yourself and/or laughing more!

Whatever it is that you want to achieve this year, know that nothing is too big or too much to do, if you put your heart (and not just your mind) to it!  Change is the only thing that is constant in this world and, as the saying goes, “a change is as good as a holiday!”  Have a wonderful 2022 and may it be a year full of blessings, fun and positive energies!