Happy New Year my lovely friends!!
Here we are once again. Day one of the New Year and as per tradition all set to make New Year’s resolutions. It’s time to commit and think hard about what we would like to do differently in 2019. Oh but wait, before we do that, have you done your thank you note to 2018? If you haven’t please take a moment to give this post a read:
(https://fabulousfiftyfive.com/a-thank-you-note-to-2018/)
I hope you made a journal entry or at least took some time to have gratitude for what unfolded in 2018.
Alright, let’s move forward to making New Year’s resolutions for 2019.
I don’t really believe in New Year’s resolutions. Well, not in the traditional sense of the word. See, the problem with resolutions is that on day one we get very ambitions and write down the most dramatic changes we hope to see in our lives. But there is no plan, no follow up and no accountability. Fast forward to day 30 of the same year all the resolutions are forgotten. They get left by the way side as we continue with our old ways.
Having said that, I am all about grabbing any and every opportunity to bring about a positive change into my life. I love to set goals for myself, create vision boards and visualize each goal with full clarity.
Beginning of a new year is then the perfect opportunity to set some new goals, explore new possibilities and visualize our biggest dreams.
So here is what I propose. We, my friends, are going to make one and only one New Year’s Resolution. Are you ready for this?
We are going to commit to being a bigger and better version of ourselves with each and every new day.
That means with every new day we have to do things just a bit better.
Why this resolution only? Remember this quote:
“The only person you need to be better than is the person you were yesterday”-― Jenny Lawson,
Let this be our motto for 2019!!
Besides, as the great poet Rumi says:
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”― Rumi
We are now wise and the only person we will focus on changing is ourself. (Honestly, I also don’t have the time or energy to try and change others. Do you? ) Here is a little secret though.
The truly amazing thing about changing ourselves is that our lives and those in it also change magically.
Let’s then commit to taking care of ourselves mind, body and soul. The toughest thing, however, is to be aware of our own behaviour and habits, let alone fix them.
So here are some tools to help you along the way.
Let’s start by taking a hard look at ourselves. Make a list of all the things you would like to do better in your life. Take into consideration your physical, emotional and mental state and well being. Don’t just think, make a physical list. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What would you like to change about your life?
- What habits would you like to change?
- How do you treat yourself?
- How do you treat others?
- How do you respond to others?
- Do you have the need to be always right?
- Do you like to control others and situations?
- Do you judge others?
- Do you talk about people, events or ideas?
- What cause worry and anxiety for you?
- What makes you angry?
- Do you focus on negative habits of your loved ones?
- Do you spend too much time with negative people?
- Do you spend enough time with people you love and enjoy?
- Are you kind to others?
- How do you contribute to society?
- Where is your time wasted?
- How can you manage your time better?
- Are you physically fit?
- Are you a healthy weight?
- Do you eat healthy?
- Do you eat mindfully?
- Do you eat for hunger, pleasure or nutrient?
- Do you take care of your body?
- Are you aware of your mind clutter?
- Do you hold onto the past or worry about the future?
You can also work with a friend or family member. (Just remember not to become defensive if they point out a bad habit.) Once we have it all written down create a goal list with action plan for each goal. Do try and make your goals unique to yourself.
Here are some ideas and resources to help you along the way:
The Body:
Our body is a temple where our mind, body and spirit reside.
From our very first breath to our last it is our body that stays with us and supports us through thick and thin. It is with us through all your struggles, adventures and challenges. Yet, it is always taken for granted. So this year let’s give it much needed love, care and recognition.
Our Goal:
- To eat healthy
- To eat consciously
- To be at a healthy weight
- To be fit
- To treat our body well
Our Commitment:
- Figure out your BMI (Body Mass Index) and know exactly what your healthy weight should be and set some goals around this. Talk to your doctor. Be informed. Here is Diabetes Canada website that you can use to calculate your BMI. http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/healthy-living-resources/weight-management/body-mass-index-bmi-calculator.
- Every day, put on our runners and do a physical activity for 1/2 an hour. No excuses, no procrastination. If you work full time go for a brisk walk at lunch time. Get proper gear. Do not let the weather elements stop you. Half an hour of you, your body and fresh air. Let this be a start.
- Invest in good earphones and listen to your favourite podcast or audio book while you exercise. This is my favourite two in one (physical and mental exercise).
- Be conscious of what you put into our body. There is no need for fancy diets. Simply be mindful of what you put into your body and find a balance between eating for pleasure and nutrition. I will also be sharing some healthy recipes this year. For now here is a very helpful article: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm/
- A little TLC goes a long way. Give yourself a foot message at the end of the day, spend 1/2 hour pampering your face every couple of days, book those nail appointments in now, give yourself a head message once a week, go for that spa treatment. Let your body know how much you appreciate it.
Here is a Youtube video that I would highly recommend. I found it very useful and thought provoking.
The Mind:
Our mind is an instrument. Don’t let it control you, learn to control it.
Our Goal:
- Learn to observe the mind.
- Learn to quiet the mind.
- Keep the ego in check.
- Change every habit (one at at time) that evokes negative emotions such as judgement, self-defence, jealousy, competitiveness, worry, etc.
Our Commitment:
- Learn to quiet the mind. Everyday listen to a guided meditation for 10-15 minutes. Do it before you go to bed or first thing when you wake up. I would throughly recommend doing a guided meditation to begin with. I have found Dr. Deepak Chopra’s guided meditations to be very effective. He is a cardiologist turned author and spiritual leader. Here is one of the many meditations available on Youtube http://Living Carefree – A Meditation with Deepak Chopra.
- Here is also a link to my post on meditation for beginners.
https://fabulousfiftyfive.com/beginners-guide-to-meditation/
- Stay in the moment. When your mind wonders into the past or the future catch it. Bring yourself to the present. This moment is the only moment truly available to us. Indulge in it. Live and create each moment consciously. I would highly recommend reading this book, “Practicing The Power of Now”. What I love about this book is that you can open any page at any given time and it will help you connect with this moment.
- Keep the ego in check. When we give into the ego we become defensive, reactive, judgemental, jealous, etc., etc. Become aware of your ego driven behaviours. Catch yourself when something comes from a place of negative emotions. Set an intention each week to stop a certain behaviour that you don’t like in yourself. Here is a link for a nice reminder.
https://fabulousfiftyfive.com/letting-the-soul-not-the-ego-be-our-guide/
- Be aware of your mind clutter. Here is a quick read on this.
https://fabulousfiftyfive.com/5-minute-daily-mind-cleanse/
- Read something inspiring at least once a week. (If you read this blog, you are in a great place).
The Soul:
Under the clutter of the mind, hidden behind our ego resides our beautiful soul. It’s only when we learn to live from this place that our life becomes truly miraculous. Let’s make every effort to let this spirit and its light shine through, one day at a time.
Our body, mind and soul are meant to work in unison to create a beautiful melody full of love, joy and happiness. Let’s learn to create that harmony within ourselves. The rest of our life will take care of itself.
“The pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand.” Irene C. Kassorla
Let’s take charge, be responsible and accountable for our own actions, our own perceptions and our own life. It all begins with looking inward, spending time with and on ourselves. Here is to an amazing 2019 and a bigger and better version of ourselves!!
With love,
Devinder Maan 💖
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