New Year, New You! The new year is often a time of reflection. We look back on the year just ended, as well as anticipate the upcoming one. Looking back at the old year gives us an opportunity to evaluate our lives. Have we met some goals we set? How much have we grown? What is the state of our relationships? How’s our job going?
If we hadn’t set goals for the previous year, should we set any now? What can we do to grow more substantially? Can we make some changes in how we relate to others? Maybe it’s time to look for a different job. New Year, new you!
Be In The Present
One way to move forward, (new year, new you) is to actually stay in the present. It is really all we have. There’s a saying that the present is a present. It is a gift that can help us look at our lives and plan how to make them better. If we pay attention to what is happening in our lives right here and right now, we wouldn’t be dealing with the past or the future. But staying in the present is difficult. The pull of the past or the anticipation of the future is strong.
Past
Obviously, the past is full of memories of all types. They may be positive, like important times that were special. In addition, they could be feelings of fondness for others, achievements made, or appreciation for growth we’ve accomplished. Some memories may be more negative. They may include regret for decisions made, anger with people or situations, doubt in ourselves, or second-guessing what might have been, At the basis of each is fear about a weakness within us that we want to hide. The one thing all have in common is they cannot be changed. We cannot go back to redo anything.
Future
On the other hand, the future holds an infinite number of possibilities, which can be overwhelming. When we don’t understand our direction, goals, or purpose, our choices can be daunting. It can promote a feeling of anxiety that we’re ‘not good enough’, ‘can’t do it right’, or ‘don’t know what’s wrong with me’. That feeling of overwhelm can stop us in our tracks. When that happens, moving forward may be impossible, so we stay in life patterns that are harmful to growth.
Present
Even with clear goals, purpose and direction, it can be difficult to project into the future how to achieve them. Life is changing all the time and the results we desire may or may not be available to us. By staying in the present, we can keep tabs on what is happening in our lives and make adjustments when needed. It means we can be flexible in our goals and change our thinking when necessary. It gives us opportunities to move forward step by step, which is more comfortable than giant leaps.
Embrace Change
New Year, new you! Make changes when necessary, even if they feel uncomfortable. Change what is no longer working for you. Find alternatives when you feel stuck. A new perspective can jump start your life. One reason we are on this earth is to learn how to be better human beings. Feeling stuck means we’re not learning and growing. When we notice unhealthy patterns in life that keep repeating, it’s time to find that different perspective. Time to make some changes that will help you become happier, healthier, and more positive.
Granted, it is hard to give up old habits. It also takes effort and time to make changes, but if we’re seeking a happier life, effort is important. The more we change for the better, the happier we will be. And the happier we become, the more changes we willingly embrace.
Challenge Yourself
When there is a need to change and grow, we often have to challenge ourselves. Change is not easy, particularly if we are unsure what the final results will be. In moments of weakness, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns. But then we’re stuck. We may even anxiously try to talk ourselves out of making the change- ‘it’s too hard’, or ‘I don’t care if I change’, or ‘It doesn’t really matter if I change’. It does matter to each of us when we make a change for the better. It matters individually and also as a collective. We feel happier, and we notice more ease about us. People respond to us differently, too. In addition, we feel pride in advancing ourselves. Just think what the world would be like if each person challenged themselves and grew.
Conclusion
We can stay in the present, embrace change, and challenge ourselves when we, as individuals, want to improve, grow, and be happier. In order to do this, we must look deep inside. It’s not a matter of following the crowd, or doing what others want or expect. We will be pulled in many directions, if we do. It’s important for ourselves, and to the people of the world to work toward creating the best version we can be. This means making changes for yourself, not because of anyone else. New Year, new you! Adonai.
