Saying “Goodbye” to last year
Saying “Goodbye” is not always an easy thing for us to do, especially when we’re saying it to loved ones. But, how hard or easy is it for you to say “Goodbye” to a year that is coming to a close?
I’m not one that spends much time reflecting on the past, but thought I would end the year reflecting on how I have moved forward throughout the year. Opening my Google Calendar and scrolling through the months brought back memories of things accomplished and events that happened – some good, some not so good.
One of the challenges of beginning a “New Year” is the expectation that “this year will be different” and we sit down and make a list of resolutions. The “I’m going to …..” syndrome. Problem with this idea is that we lose our momentum by January 17th and our list is forgotten. Rather than make a list that would mean nothing to me in a couple of weeks, I just never bothered with the whole idea. That is, until now.
I signed up for Michael Hyatt’s “5 Days to Your Best Year Ever” course and actually completed it. I set my goals and by the end of the year, I had accomplished 90% of them – YAY! for me – first time ever. So, I had high expectations for the new year and started out with a plan of action.
Life was rolling along and I was diligently accomplishing some of my goals. Then “WHAM” life hit a speed bump and threw me off course. Has that ever happened to you? You’ve laid out your plans and working hard toward accomplishing them and then one day you wake up and realize you’re way off course.
So, here it is the end of the year and I can say that I have accomplished one major goal intentionally and one other goal got accomplished through an unforeseen accident.
As you look back on last year, are you in a better place today than yesterday?
Twelve months is a long time to still be in the same place you were on January 1st. emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
How do we move forward and be at a better place twelve months from now? What goals do you need to set for yourself that will create a healthier environment that will take you to where you desire to be?
Let’s look at some ways to get started on a path of growth for the New Year:
Goals NOT Resolutions
Setting goals for yourself must come from a desire to accomplish the end result. Without a true desire and belief that the goal is achievable, you’ll never accomplish it. That’s the problem with resolutions, they’re from your head and not your heart. The first step is to decide what it is you truly desire for yourself. This will be the only way you’ll see yourself accomplish your goals.
Emotionally
I’ve discovered a lot about myself over the past few months that I didn’t know. Emotions are a strange concept and you may feel that you have yourself all pulled together and life is sweet. Or, you may be a basket case of jumbled nerves and anxiety, just waiting for the explosion of life to happen.
This is why keeping a daily journal is so important for your emotional well-being. Just ending the day with reflection can create a serene emotional response. Write down your thoughts for the day – good or bad, but make sure you end your thoughts with reflections of gratitude. You’ll be surprised how your stress and anxiety will decrease when you allow gratitude to take hold of your heart.
Here is a free “Gratitude Journal” to get your started.
Physically
Your physical well-being is just as important as your emotional well-being. We’re constantly on the go and find very little time for ourselves. This is evident in all the aches and pains we experience throughout the day.
How well are you taking care of your physical self?
Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day or running after toddlers, you must take time for your physical well-being. Get outside for no less than 10 minutes a day, you’ll be amazed at how that little bit of fresh air and sunshine will boost your mood. The more stress you can relieve, the better your body will become.
Most New Year’s resolutions contain some form of “I’m going to go to the gym”, hmm – have you ever? Unless you can buddy up with a friend (who is committed) you’re not going to last long at the gym. So, how can you fit physical fitness into your day – every day?
Again, it has to come from a deep desire within you. This is what happened to me in 2011. I found a “reason” to begin a daily exercise routine and I got started. Here it is, the end of the year, and I can truthfully say that I have stuck with my exercise routine.
You know what happened?
It became a habit that I don’t won’t to live without. I get up in the morning, drink my water and apple cider vinegar and go exercise. Sure, I have to get up a little earlier, but my day is so much better when I exercise.
Find something that works for you and go for it, but remember, first discover your “why” so you’ll stick with it.
Spiritual
Life is difficult enough and we sometimes allow all the negativity to invade our thoughts and souls. I never go out into the world until I’ve had my daily quiet time. This has been my morning routine for over 30 years and I can say that if something makes me miss it, my day is a total mess.
Find a quiet place and allow yourself to spend time in prayer and reflection. Your soul needs nourishment as much as your physical body needs nourishment. Think of your quiet time as the sunshine for your soul time.
Giving of yourself is one way we grow in spiritual well-being. I know, you’re busy – but you find time to do what you want to do. What pulls at your heart? Is it children in need, the elderly, animals? Find a worthy cause and volunteer. There are so many people in need and you’re just one helping hand away from being an instrument of goodwill. I find that I grow so much more in my spiritual well-being when I’m helping others. Truly added nourishment to your soul.
Your city or town should have a list of areas that you can volunteer in, find one that touches your heart and ask what you can do with the time that you have.
Let’s Get Started
The New Year is here and we’ve got twelve whole months to work on and improve our well-being.
My goal for you this year is to offer you multiple ways to achieve your wellness goals.
Learn how to put “Laughter and Play for Wellness” into your daily life. A 5 day challenge where you’ll learn how to incorporate laughter into your daily life and add some play time to your week. Sounds like fun – right?
Learn more about the FREE 5 Day Challenge and sign up to register>>
Laughter and Play for Wellness
Grab your friends and let them in on this 5 day challenge too. We need to start the new year off with a smile on our face and some laughter in our heart and there’s no better way to do that than with friends.
This is a FREE challenge, so get signed up and let’s learn to laugh and play again.
Laughter and Play for Wellness Challenge.