Happy New Year!

So…..did you make any resolutions? Well, if you didn’t, you’re in good company as I did not either. I stopped making resolutions years ago because when I was unable to keep them, I felt as if I’d failed – and I don’t like that feeling.

Instead, what I’ve learned to do over time is to get up each morning with the intention of doing my best in whatever tasks I must accomplish that day.  I view each day as a new beginning so I don’t wait for January 1st to start anew. This seems to work best for me as my entire year is then a journey of hope and optimism no matter what any given day brings.  As Scarlett O’Hara  said, “tomorrow IS another day.” And, keeping that credo in mind has helped me cope through many a difficult day. Why?  Because things – and circumstances -change.  So, I just wait out the trials and tribulations of life.

Now for those who prefer to make yearly resolutions, I do have 5 suggestions – none of which involve that dreaded four-letter word, “diet” – that are basically some of the attitudes/actions I try to dedicate myself to each day.  Admittedly, I’m more successful some days than others.

1. Learn from and honor the past but let go of those memories that are painful and/or toxic.
2. Live in the present , savoring each moment and experience. Be grateful for the good moments and seek to learn from the negative ones.
3. Look forward to the future.  This is especially helpful if the past or present is difficult.
4. Learn something new each day that will improve your mind or sharpen a skill/talent.
5. Look around, listen to and learn from others. The purpose of this is to see if there is anything that you can do to help someone.  That help needn’t be grandiose and it is very often the simple acts of kindness that are most effective, most needed and most appreciated.

Here’s to a healthy, joyful and peaceful 2013 for us all!