A new year

A new year… a new…..nope. We all know the “new year, new me” sentiment. Most of us have used this phrase at least once in our lives. Along with new years resolutions, this never materializes into a true outcome.

The premise that we can start fresh, looking out at all the possibilities and endless adventures that await us, now seems very outdated…so 2019 in fact. Even though we enter a new year “technically”, it feels more like a continuation of 2020. That doesn’t mean, however, that we cannot have a more positive outlook, it just means we need to be more realistic with our goals this year.

While last year was a struggle for all of us, most had the opportunity to look inward. We spend the most time (we probably ever have) with our thoughts and discovered ourselves in a new way. We tested our boundaries, worked through some difficult choices, tackled unexpected life changes, learned new things about us and over all fought some inward battles that hopefully left us in a good place in the end.

The things is, we never really considered our outside influences. Like we ended 2020, let us start this year by making the hard choices. Choices about who we let in our bubble, how we want to move forward, our career goals, health decisions, mental awareness and all the things that effect our happiness and quality of life.

Here is where I would start:

1. Detox the body – no this isn’t another diet. During lockdown and perhaps even more during the holidays, we have been cramming in all kinds of naughty treats, maybe even over eating (guilty as charged). Detoxing is not about loosing weight, but to flush out all the toxins we have built up throughout the year. There are so many ways you can detox the body. You can start with something simple like cutting out alcohol for a month or invest in an eating plan like the 13 day metabolism detox.

2. Purge outward negativity – now that you feel good inside, let’s bring that outside. Start by looking at your social media, block all drama channels/pages, unaccredited sources and fake news streams. Remove “friends” that post things that make you feel angry, upset or unworthy. Now expand this to your physical relationships, purge the people who bring negativity into your space – ain’t no body got time for that in 2021

3. Manifest joy – you have removed the bad, make room for the good. Invest in things that lift you up, this can be as small as indulging in your favorite ice-cream (even if it is a little expensive) or having a virtual date with a great friend and a glass of wine. Look around and realize all the potential for happiness. Wake up every morning with gratitude in your heart and an open mind for good things. I know this is easier said than done, the choice to try alone, will shift things towards your inner and outer joy.

4. Do the work – think about the things you want and can achieve. You won’t wake up with bulging abs after one run. You won’t find the partner of your dreams if you only look at seedy DM’s. You might not get that promotion this year due to the current climate. What is it you want or need in your life. Put steps in place with realistic time frames and stick to it. Knowing that you are prepared and that it might take a year to reach your dream (as much as we love instant gratification), instead of failure or disappointment, you have set yourself up with the best chance of success.

5. Bring kindness – and spread it like wildfire. This one is short, sweet and simple. Be kind to yourself and others always. Putting great thoughts, deeds and karma into the world might not always be easy, but it will bring so much goodness.

Till next time…