This month, we’ve been focusing on creating a meaningful start to the New Year.
We explored letting go, focusing on what we love and would like to learn, and then we used creativity to invite new experiences.
This has been excellent groundwork to make some New Year resolutions that actually mean something to you. No more hurried, guilt-ridden, punishing declarations that last for about as long as the bubbles in last night’s champagne!
Being kind
Making real change is a gentle process. Be kind to yourself and listen to what’s important to you.
Making real New Year resolutions is about promising to experience things that are good for you. Things that nurture your wellbeing.
So take some time now to gather together some notes, pictures or doodles about what matters to you.
What contributes to your feeling of wellbeing?
Once you’ve gathered your thoughts and ideas together, all that’s left to do is simply to make a promise that you will be open to creating and experiencing more of these things this year.
Your commitment to yourself
What would you rather resolve to do – lose 10kg, or learn salsa dancing? Quit smoking, or plant an organic veggie garden?
Of course, it’s probably nice to be 10kg lighter or be finally free of that vice. But lasting change never comes from punishment and deprivation. We believe that it does, which is why we often choose harsh and punitive resolutions.
The secret to lasting change, however, is that our very beings are formed around the pleasure principle. Positive change is only possible from a commitment that is rooted in joy and self-acceptance.
If you make the commitment for this year to be more meaningful, more rich, more satisfying than last year, then over time your tank will become full and those unwanted habits can fall away much more easily.
Small is beautiful
The things that enhance your wellbeing and bring you joy may be very small things, very simple.
They are yours alone, and don’t need to be like anyone else’s.
Travel to far-flung destinations? Dining at exclusive restaurants? Those things are fine, but don’t overlook the beauty and meaning in life’s tiny pleasures.
Your list can look something like:
Spend time reading books
Learn guitar
Use organic body scrub in shower
Meet up with best friend for walks
Swim in the ocean
Go to the cinema
Use essential oil diffuser in the bedroom
Join a gymnastics class
Try new receipes on the weekends
Recording your promises
How will you record your promises?
You could write and post yourself a letter, make a picture board of all the things you would like to experience, ask a friend to keep you accountable to trying new things – or better still, do these exercises together and tell each other your promises.
Even a simple written list stuck to the back of the bedroom door will help you start to bring your dreams into reality.
Just collect your promises together somewhere, and then wait and see what the New Year will bring, enjoying how your awareness may subtly start to shift.
Next…
For the final week of January, we’re going to do a quick “checking in” to make sure that you’re starting your year with the best possible foundation.
Next month, we will focus on consciously creating. If you’d like to learn some simple, no-fuss ways to act on your dreams then stay tuned!
