We often associate January with renewed hope and new beginnings. As the month begins we also reflect on the past year – 365 days that seemed to evaporate in a blink.
We recall treasured memories and we think about the things that we are not happy with and want to change. Out come the paper and pen to create a list of New Year’s resolutions.
The typical resolutions are to lose weight, improve fitness, find a new job and get out of debt.
Resolutions may be a single item or a long list. Either way, this is the time to dream and create a pleasant journey for the new year.
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New Year’s resolutions are intended to bring about positive change and to create a sense of hope for more happiness.
So we wait for the stroke of midnight to herald in the New Year with a list of resolutions in one hand and a champagne glass (or Perrier water) in the other.
We begin the new year with a renewed sense of hope that we can bring new and better things into our lives.
Sound familiar?
If you are like most, your resolutions are like champagne. There is a big pop followed by a fast fizzle. The sparkle leaves; our best intentions go flat.
The result is another “copy and paste” year.
This year, try a different approach by writing down your wishes and dreams.
Reflect on the things you always wanted to do but didn’t yet get time to do. Look in the mirror and try to recognize the person deep inside and their dreams. Maybe it is to learn to dance like the stars, speak Spanish, make sushi or paint with watercolours.
“Nothing happens unless first we dream.”
– Carl Sandburg
A wish or dream can create a spark, and a spark can create a desire. A desire can be the fuel that fans the spark to burn and create a bright flame. That flame can bring back a renewed sense of happiness.
We become so bogged down by the routine of our busy lives: laundry, running kids in every direction, work deadlines and that unending pile of bills. We forget about ourselves.
We become so caught up in daily living that we think our happiness comes only from external events and achievements.
We need to focus on the little passions buried deep under responsibilities. Those passions make up our dreams and yearnings.
What are the little things that you can do to replenish your soul and start a spark glowing inside?
Instead of a list of resolutions, make a list of your dreams. Along with this list, set 12 goals, one for each month of the year. Select a goal from your dream list to be something that you will do for yourself. These goals do not have to be earth shattering. Some goals may span a couple months.
For example, if your dream is to learn Spanish through a community program, that can be your goal for two months. If that is your dream, it surely is worth one hour a week and $25. Accept the fact that you won’t make it to every class but also accept the fact that you will feel invigorated to get out, meet new people and know more Spanish than when you started. The real value – priceless.
Let 2008 be the year that you make things happen. Little things. Twelve little things that will make you feel wonderful and special.
“Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.”
– Belva Davis
Therri Papp is a career development educator offering on-line personal development programs and career consulting to individuals and business groups. For further information call 306-249-4937 or visit www.freeyesinfo.com.
