Photo courtesy of bfick
A new year is a chance to press the re-set button on your life. I don't suggest stewing over where you went wrong or what you didn't accomplish (I should have [insert here: been promoted, be married, have kids, etc] by now! ). Rather, the first of the year is a great time to reflect on where your life is today, how you would like it to look in the coming year and what action steps can get you there. It is the ideal time to take a step back and look at the big picture. Buy a fresh new notebook, get out a good pen, and write down your aspirations for 2009 with a few steps on how you plan on getting there. How exciting!
Here are some 2009 aspirations from very wise In Life and In Fashion readers that I found inspiring. Notice that they all involve living in the moment, reaching out to those you love, and tapping into our creative natures. What great places to start.
Awhile back a friend of mine was asked to name something nice that she’d recently done for herself. She thought for a moment and then said, “I made a donation to Kiva.” I loved that she defined “doing something nice for yourself” as giving back in a way that would bring pleasure to others and, in turn, herself. Inspired by her, I’ve decided that in 2009 I’m going to commit to doing “something nice for myself” each week. One week that might be sending a card to an elderly great aunt, just to say hello. Another week it could be volunteering at a charity race. And another week it might be dropping by a friend’s house with cupcakes, simply because she likes them. Alison, The Sparkling Single, Toronto, Canada
I will spend more time with the people I love; my family and friends. I will invite people over, prepare nice meals and have long talks over dinner without looking at the clock...just talk and talk about things. I will take the time to meet new people, to find out about what other people care about. I will enjoy watching my little son grow up, and surprise myself through his eyes as he discovers the world...we tend to take everything for granted and it is amazing to see how wonderful the world really is if we just let ourselves be innocently surprised. I will take the time to have more romantic moments with my husband. Finally, I will listen to older people tell me about their experiences in life. My grandparents are unfortunately no longer with me, but I wish I had listened to them more when they were alive... Anonymous, Germany
I would like to continue on the path of self-realization. It is extremely easy for me to get caught up in life’s highs and lows, accomplishments and failures and not realize that every moment, good, bad and in between, with friends or alone, are moments to embrace, experience and grow from. Michelle, Mish's Playground, Toronto, Canada
I think that it is so easy to get caught up in the minor details and nuisances of everyday life. Who cares if my house is a mess or my dishwasher won't work? Sometimes I let a lot of little things effect my mood and stress level. Next year, I want to fully take in everything that my baby does... these are moments that won't come again and are easy to take for granted. I want to read more books. I want to play the piano ... It is easy to lose your own identity when you have a kid, but I would like to have something that is just for me. And... of course, increase the number of tops in my wardrobe!!! Aditi, Philapdephia, USA
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Thanks for this post. I've been struggling with coming up with a 'resolution' and reading the thoughts of others has inspired me. Thanks!