New Year's Thoughts
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Reflections on the eve of a new year
Tomorrow, a new year and a new decade extend before us with hope and uncertainty. Are you planning to make any New Year's resolutions?
Statistically, the most popular resolutions have to do with losing weight and getting in shape. Unfortunately, the average life span of most New Year's resolutions is about 7 days.
Rather than giving up chocolate or vowing to exercise 4 times a week, perhaps we would be wise to pause tonight and meditate on the ways we can open ourselves to change.
What would happen if we all began to look at the world a bit differently? After all, when all is said and done, we are promised to reap what we sow and receive what we give. Here are a few suggestions:
Keep learning. The best way to sharpen your mind is to learn something new. Life is an exciting classroom; don't make plans to graduate.
Spend time with cheerful friends. The chronically grouchy can rob your energy and your joy.
Live in the moment. It's truly all there is. If you dwell on the past or anticipate and worry about the future, you miss the simple beauty each moment holds.
Allow more room in your life for laughter. Watch or find some children to play with. Discover the freedom and joy in their mirth.
Surround yourself with what you love. Make your home your refuge and fill it with family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, and whatever is lovable that you love.
Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it.
Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the beach or the mountains or even another country but refuse to buy (or accept) a ticket for a guilt trip.
At every opportunity, tell the people you love that you love them
Whatever it is that makes you feel most alive and most connected – do it more often.
Choose life, embrace forgiveness, and remember that no one is in charge of your happiness but you.
I wish each of you a new year filled with expanded awareness, greater joy, better health, exciting adventures, and above all, more love.
Tomorrow, a new year and a new decade extend before us with hope and uncertainty. Are you planning to make any New Year's resolutions?
Statistically, the most popular resolutions have to do with losing weight and getting in shape. Unfortunately, the average life span of most New Year's resolutions is about 7 days.
Rather than giving up chocolate or vowing to exercise 4 times a week, perhaps we would be wise to pause tonight and meditate on the ways we can open ourselves to change.
What would happen if we all began to look at the world a bit differently? After all, when all is said and done, we are promised to reap what we sow and receive what we give. Here are a few suggestions:
Keep learning. The best way to sharpen your mind is to learn something new. Life is an exciting classroom; don't make plans to graduate.
Spend time with cheerful friends. The chronically grouchy can rob your energy and your joy.
Live in the moment. It's truly all there is. If you dwell on the past or anticipate and worry about the future, you miss the simple beauty each moment holds.
Allow more room in your life for laughter. Watch or find some children to play with. Discover the freedom and joy in their mirth.
Surround yourself with what you love. Make your home your refuge and fill it with family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, and whatever is lovable that you love.
Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it.
Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the beach or the mountains or even another country but refuse to buy (or accept) a ticket for a guilt trip.
At every opportunity, tell the people you love that you love them
Whatever it is that makes you feel most alive and most connected – do it more often.
Choose life, embrace forgiveness, and remember that no one is in charge of your happiness but you.
I wish each of you a new year filled with expanded awareness, greater joy, better health, exciting adventures, and above all, more love.
--Written by Barb Jarmoska, Freshlife founder
