An antidote to New Year’s resolutions
January is a time of year when many people make New Year’s resolutions. We talk about what we want to change about ourselves, what we want to accomplish, and how we want to improve in some way. “I’m going to eat more healthily, exercise more regularly, and get moving on that project that has been on the back burner for so long.” Sound familiar?
It feels like we are focusing on what we do not like about ourselves. “Through resolve and determination, I will change and be better.” That sounds as inviting as a bowl of unadorned kale, which we force ourselves to eat because we know it is good for us.
New Year’s resolutions can quickly generate a spiral of negative and contracting emotions when we do not measure up to our expectations, and that is what we emit into the atmosphere without realizing it. How about balancing what we don’t like about ourselves with what we do like? What is inside us already that we want to bring forth more frequently?
Let’s balance our New Year’s resolutions with what we like about ourselves. “This year I want to express more joy and thoughtfulness and grace,” I told my friend Mary. “I know it’s in there somewhere, but it’s buried under a lot of muck.” Time to let it out, both for my enjoyment as well as that of others.
Do you have a good sense of humor? How about bringing it forth more often? God knows the world needs it! Are you drawn to artistic expression? Share it so many more can enjoy the fruits of your work. Do you enjoy cooking or baking or gardening? Bring forth your natural interests and strengths and share them. It generates positive feelings, which then ripple out.
In these trying times of pandemic exhaustion and political upheaval, if we each bring forth our positive qualities and interests it will do a world of good. Expansive and creative energy begets more of the same.
What qualities are inside you that you would you like to bring forth more frequently this year?
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Copyright © 2021 Sharon V. Kristjanson. All rights reserved.