Happy New Year to all of you! Every year as the calendar rolls to a larger number, we get a new beginning. Reset to zero or pass go and collect $200 – which choice will you make?
It’s easy to just continue around, around, and around the board buying property and transportation, paying taxes, and avoiding jail as much as possible. In fact, isn’t that the choice most of us make – the monotony of Monopoly?
Why do I say that? Well, if we were really choosing to reset to zero and begin differently, wouldn’t all those New Year’s Resolutions soon be our new reality? Instead, most of eventually leave behind the illusion of even making resolutions and just keep trudging the same direction.
Does this mean that we’re destined to continue round and round and round, never quite able to let go of our unproductive or unhealthy habits in order to make the space for new, healthy ones?
OF COURSE WE ARE NOT DESTINED TO CONTINUE ANYTHING! IF WE CONTINUE ROUND AND ROUND, IT IS A CHOICE.
Sorry if I sound irritable. I started the new year with the flu. Yep, it started at 6:36 am on New Year’s Day. I’m still dragging. In this bit of half-medicated limbo, I’ve been pondering what to hold onto, what to let go, what shift will bring me the very best today each and every day of 2014. What choices can I make that will encourage me to thrive?
Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
I’ve decided to hold onto incandescent light bulbs. I’m happy to turn them off and use natural light to reduce my carbon footprint, but I find florescent light unpleasant.
I also plan to hold onto a regular swimming routine. While I’m not too keen on the idea of going to the pool when it’s 20º outside, I love the way I feel when I’m in the water.
I’ll keep eating raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries as often as possible.
I’ll continue to eat at regular times because I feel best when I do this.
I intend to add more planned play time beginning with a trampoline park birthday party.
I also intend to continue to say no when it feels important to say no.
I recognize that this list isn’t done, but I don’t feel bad. I’ll add to it when I’m ready. And it doesn’t have to be in the next week or two. There’s no deadline for creating positive intentions, finding inspiration, feeling content in the moment. It’s never too late to make another positive choice. That’s almost enough to make me forget the flu.
How about you? Want to share how you’re feeling about your choices for 2014?
