by Leigh
Sometimes I dread a new year. I start thinking about all the things I did wrong the previous year and I assume that I will repeat those same mistakes. I look back and see patterns in my behavior and wonder how I can change those….or if I will be able to change those. But then I decided that I needed to change my perspective. I needed to see the new year in a….well, in a new way. I've always seen the new year as just a continuation of the old...like a loop in my mind. I recently read an article from Dr. Wayne Dyer about resolutions in the new year. And here's what he said,
"Forget about deciding on the first day of January how you will be conducting your life in September, some nine months later. Any resolution that involves making decisions about future behaviors is a waste of time. It also reinforces the self defeating notion of living in the future. For 2015, wouldn't you rather live in the present moment?"
A-ha! light bulb moment for me! Each day is a fresh new beginning unlike the one prior and unlike the next one. I have a fresh set of 24 hours in which to live...the only day like this one. I can make a resolution that I will spend less time on social media this year and I will get myself more organized and I will workout six days a week, etc…But as Dr. Dyer points out we still have to live our lives just like everyone else: one day at a time. He went on to say that,
"You can only live minute to minute. You can certainly use up your present moments thinking about what you'll be doing in the future, but that doesn't change the fact that you can only live in the now. The important question to ask yourself is: How am I going to live in the present moment this year?"
Instead of spending my days thinking about my patterns in the past, I want to make changes so that I can live life to it's fullest. RIGHT NOW! I am going to do this by setting an intention...by choosing a word to guide me daily and that word is focus. Yesterday my focus was on organization as I packed away Christmas and decluttered the house. Today my focus is on business as I get back into my work routine at the office. Tomorrow morning I will let my early morning thoughts dictate my focus for the day.
"Always let the new you make the decision, and then you'll be living in the present moment."
Have you picked your word for this year?
14 comments:
I love this. I always hated the whole idea of resolutions, but I couldn't put into words why. And -eurika! - this is it! Thank younfor releasing my guilt!
I haven't found my word yet, but Im trying!
I bet a lot of people feel the same way about resolutions, I know I have! Thank you for sharing this, it is very helpful. We should live in this moment, right here, right now and your word is perfect for that!
I think my word would be destiny..It has to do with realizing my dream..My journey to my dream involves living day by day..I have to live moment to moment sometimes..So much easier to find goals, and reach them if I walk in baby steps :-)
this really is the key leigh. you've stated it so perfectly. and I love the idea that I get a fresh start every day. each and every day. thank you for the inspiration today. xoxo
This is exactly what I meant when I wrote about wanting to be more focused on living in the moment. I don't think I've ever talked to someone who was successful in making New Year's resolutions. It's just too long a period of time to try to make a change for the entire year. So much better to set a daily goal and stick to that. Thanks for the Dr. Dyer quotes. They are perfect for this subject!
I've never been much of a resolution girl, either, although I am definitely drawn to January 1st as a sort of "new beginning." Still, what happens when you get to March and are already in a rut? Wait for next January to turn things around? No, I really like the idea that each *day* is a new beginning. I want to try to keep that in mind this year :-)
Great post. I don't think I've made New Year's resolutions in years. Thinking of a new day each morning is the way to go.
Yes, living in the moment is my mantra. Too many plans go awry when we look to live in the future. One step at a time, one day at a time, and enjoy the moment.
Such a positive and powerful message. What a great way to start each day - remembering its a new start.
wonderful message ! Every year rather then resolutions, cause lets just face it they never stick, I have given myself a word or statement to adhere too; a promise to myself. Last year it was “make a difference” which I think I accomplished. This year it’s “simple&tea”
I'm not sure I've ever made resolutions. As for the word thing, I'm a dismal failure, it just hasn't resonated with me. But I love this approach: each day is a new opportunity. Be present now. We talk about it a lot here at FOL and I hope we're getting better. But, hey! Tomorrow is going to be another opportunity to try again and improve our skill at being present 'now'! Great post, Leigh!
Sage advice for all of us. Living in the moment is something I've been working on for years, and I'm slowly getting better. Time goes more slowly when we savor each minute. Being with young kids helps me -- they really know how to be in the moment.
Let's face it, living in the future is stressful stuff. Living in the moment is much simpler and allows for so much more joy. I think that's why there are foggy days, to be a reminder to see what's right in front of us.
I'm a little tiny bit late on this but I loved every word of it. It makes me feel better about things.
Love Tracie
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