Happy New Year!

It’s the first day of the New Year and many of us are beginning to act upon or are formulating a resolution. These often take a negative form (something we vow not to do any longer, like smoking) or seem more like an imposed punishment (something we feel pressured to do, like more time on the treadmill).  I’d like to suggest a different approach.

Sit quietly and alone.  Let your mind wander into the land of day dreams. In dreams, we are the person we want to be.  We’re engaged in activities we love, there are no obstacles and we achieve our hearts desire. Take note of where your mind goes when you dream.  You’re probably not counting calories or reorganizing the garage.  It’s likely you envision yourself following your passion, spending more time with loved ones, engaging with your community and simply doing things you enjoy.

As another year begins we are reminded how quickly time marches.  Don’t let another year go by only doing the things you ‘should’ do; focused on the things you ‘shouldn’t do’.  Instead, take the first step to being the person of your dreams and living instead of only doing. Break a few rules, play longer with the dog, learn how to ice skate, dust off that guitar. I guarantee doing the things that mean the most to you will result in a healthier you.  Time spent following your passion or at least an enjoyable pursuit is time and energy you won’t spend on the things you feel you ‘shouldn’t’ do. If you’re completely engaged in the enjoyment of planting a garden, for example, then you’re not lying on the sofa devouring a bag of cookies.  Doing what you love is an excellent investment for you and for everyone around you. It moves your focus from what you don’t want to the things and feelings you want to increase. It makes you a happier and more interesting person.  So before you begin the year with a sentence of activities of no genuine interest, step back and get in touch with the things you really want to do and how you really want to feel. Resolve this year to live life as you’ve dreamt it.

Good health and happiness to all!