Thursday, January 1, 2015

New Year’s Resolutions OUT–New Year’s Aspirations IN


 
New Year’s resolutions generally include typical “have-to-do” items. Many people have travelled down the same route, year after year, only to meet failure rather than success when attempting to follow through with their resolutions.  I did, too, until I discovered a more effective New Year’s ritual.  

Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of the book, Simple Abundance – A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, suggested that we write down our most private aspirations rather than resolutions. Perhaps the magic is in our approach.  Perhaps words like, “resolutions” and “goals” are too harsh, overwhelming, or even intimidating.   Aspirations, on the other hand, appear to breathe life into our lists.  Sarah begins her book with an entry for January 1:  A Transformative Year of Delight and Discovery.

“New Year’s Day.  A fresh start.  A new chapter in life waiting to be written.  New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery.
Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand.  Only dreams give birth to change. What are your hopes for the future as you reflect on the years that have passed?  Gradually, as you become curator of your own contentment, you will learn to embrace the gentle yearnings of your heart.  But this year, instead of resolutions, write down your most private aspirations. Those longings you have kept tucked away until the time seems right.  Trust that now is the time. Ask the questions. The Simple Abundance path brings confidence that the answers will come and we will discover – day by day – how to live them.
Talk a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing.  Believe in yourself. And believe that there is a loving Source – a Sower of Dreams – just waiting to be asked to help you make your dreams come true.”   


With this new information in hand, perhaps you are now better prepared to achieve your goals, dreams and aspirations.  The task won’t appear as daunting. Why don’t you give it a try?

Happy New Year!

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