Reflect and Rejoice

January 1 is typically the day that many people make New Years Resolutions.  While that can be a worthy practice, I prefer to do what I call “reflect and rejoice” in early January.

Allow me to explain.

The start of a new year provides us all with the opportunity to change our calendars to a new one. If you are like me, the old calendar will have birthdays, anniversaries and appointments scribbled all over it. Before you recycle that old calendar, take the time to go through each month looking at the various days and the notes written. Reflect on the memories that each one provides and rejoice or give thanks for the experiences they provided.

Whether the past year was happy or sad, each day provided an opportunity for growth physical, mental or spiritual. In the end, it’s all good.

Happy New Year!

Moving On Slowly and Gently

Sometimes life throws a curve ball at us. When it does, it can be hard to find any peace or happiness for a time. Life becomes a struggle.

But there is a way to get out of it. It takes only a moment in time.

Start by observing what you are going through. Don’t try to change it. Don’t act on it. Don’t judge it. Just observe where your thoughts are taking you and what feelings you are having.

Then, slowly and gently, make a conscious effort to look at something else in the room or outside. Pay attention to one item. It could be as simple as looking at a chair or a picture hanging on the wall. Really look at it, as if seeing it for the first time. Look at the tiniest details. Don’t judge it. Just observe.

Then, listen to any sounds that you hear around you. Perhaps it’s a clock ticking, the fridge humming or a bird chirping. Put all your attention on the sound. Again, just observe. Just listen.

Then, take a brief moment to give gratitude to whatever you observed – yourself, something in your home, office or outdoors, the sound.

Do this as often as you like throughout the day. Take only a few seconds to start with, then eventually allow it to expand into longer periods.

Observe the change over time. Be gentle with yourself and know that it’s all good.