New Year's Revolution

It's that time again...another year coming to a close and a new one set to begin. Many of us will be reviewing the past 12 months and also looking forward to the future.

There is something truly magical about the new year (aside from the Times Square ball drop, which I also love) and the thought of possibilities and change. It can also seem daunting however, and if you feel overwhelmed this time of year, know you are not alone.

I stopped creating "New Year's Resolutions" and instead chose to do a few things that have changed my perception and results. Here are a few of my personal recommendations and some practical applications you can use this new year!

Take time to reflect

Look back at all the lessons you've learned, experiences, opportunities, and accomplishments from the past year. Or maybe some of the things you had wished for that didn't come to fruition. Don't judge or shame yourself, just take note of all the areas of your life, and where you are currently verses where you began in the beginning of the year. Celebrate any personal growth or victories in each area!

If there are places in your life you want to create change in, I recommend creating a

"what's working vs. not working" comparison list. You can determine any thoughts, ideas, or actions that have aided your progress and in contrast, what have been to your detriment.

For example, if one of your goals is to begin or continue a meditation practice, write down and think about the ways you have been successful. Maybe it is that you have found an app you love to use or a meditation teacher you enjoy following. Now list the ways you did not succeed in maintaining your practice. Perhaps you never found a convenient time of day or were sporadic in creating a routine. Once you recognize this, you can use the lists to make a plan to make what is not working, work for you (for instance, choosing a time daily and scheduling your meditation time out to stay consistent). This can apply to career, relationships, physical health, and any other part of your life that is important to you.

Here is a link to one of my favorite meditation apps, perfect for beginners!

https://chopra.com/app

Practice gratitude

Often we go through our daily lives without recognizing how incredibly beautiful this life is;

all of the things, people, experiences, and even hard lessons we have learned.

Practicing gratitude for what already exists can be a powerful tool to create a sense of joy and peace. You can also share your gratitude toward what you wish to manifest into reality (even if it hasn't happened yet).

You can express gratitude in many ways and throughout the day, but if you are looking to make it habitual, I recommend creating a practice that resonates with you.

Journaling is one of the best ways to successfully and consistently convey appreciation and love. Linked below is one of my personal favorite gratitude journals :

https://www.amazon.com/Lists-Happiness-Journaling-Inspiration-Positivity/dp/1632170965

Set intentions

There are a few differences (in my understanding and opinion) between a "resolution" and an "intention". When you resolve to do (or not do) something, and fail to accomplish it, you can be left feeling disappointed, which can be damaging and detrimental to future success.

Alongside negative feelings, resolutions can also cause you to lose sight of the small (yet necessary) steps and only focus on the end result.

When you set a clear and meaningful intention, you become more aware and receptive of the required shifts to move toward your desired result. Essentially, it broadens perspective on your goals and creates a clearer path toward achieving them. If this sounds hard to differentiate, let me share a few examples:

Resolution: To volunteer more

Intention: To live a life of service to others

Resolution: To lose weight

Intention: To make choices that better serve my health

Resolution: To be happier

Intention: To be open to change and practice (self) forgiveness

You can set a daily or weekly intention to help you focus your energy in that direction. Or you may decide to set an overall intention for the year ahead. They can reflect any area in mind, body, or spirit and can pertain to physical wellness, career or relationship growth, spiritual soundness, mental well-being or self love.

A yoga teacher / artist in my area created these beautiful intention cards to aid you in choosing and focusing on an intention, I've linked them below!

https://www.tamigalbreath.com/product-page/intention-cards-1

Power word

A few years ago, I read about choosing a theme "word" for the year, and using it as a focal point in all areas of your life throughout the months ahead. This word is meant to serve as a reminder to you, the all-inclusive direction you wish to move.

Some past words I have chosen were "joy" and "heal". I was able to bring my attention back to my word daily and in turn made me more mindful in my choices (in thought, action, and word).

You can also choose or create a mantra or positive affirmation that resonates with you.

Those mantras typically begin with "I am, I feel, I see, or I love", and are designed to affirm the way you would like to live your life as well as inspire you to be your best self.

By completing the rituals listed above (reflecting, practicing gratitude, and setting an intention) it may help lead you to choosing your personal "power word" for the year.

Take the time to really sit with your thoughts and feelings and ask yourself some important questions. Once chosen, this word can act as a constant reminder to create positive change within and around you. Allow this word to guide your decisions, bring awareness to your thoughts and actions, and help you manifest the life you desire.

I share my power word in this social media post with the intention to inspire others and as a reminder of my own personal power to create a beautiful life!

https://www.facebook.com/637575857/posts/10164573085840858/?d=n