The beginning of a brand new year is a signal to all of us that we have a chance to begin again. A clean slate, a brand new beginning. What a great opportunity. What is it that you want to change? What are your new heart's desires. What do you want that you never had before? A good way to find out what you really want is to write a wish list. This will really show you your true heart's desires. Pick the things that have special meaning to you and start on the road of this journey.
1. Let go of limiting thoughts: "I am too old, too young, too fat, too thin, I can't, I am not smart enough." Sound familiar? Now is the time to let these thoughts go in order to move ahead. Begin now to affirm: "I have all that I need to reach my goal." Affirmations work. They work in the negative and in the positive. Set yourself for success by dissolving old mind-sets.
2. Forgive the past. You can not move ahead if you are holding on to grudges, resentments and old wounds. We need to forgive ourselves first. Make a list of all the stupid things you think you did or all the bad names you call yourself. Take a good look at it. Now rip it in little pieces and throw them away or burn them one little piece at a time. As you do this repeat to yourself, "This is all over now. I am moving away from all these old judgments of myself. I am happy with who I am." Do the same thing with your angers and resentments of old things passed. Forgive people and situations of the past. Remember there is no gain in keeping these things alive. Free yourself of all these burdens now.
3. Take a new look at your new desires and start to plot your journey. How are you going to get there? Make a clear plan. What do you have to change to get there? If you keep doing things the same old way you are going to get the same old results. Breaking old habits and starting new ones is sometimes a little difficult. Be prepared for the times you get discouraged. There are always rough spots on the way to success. Keep the vision of your dreams alive in your thoughts. Remember you always get what you focus on. Focus on your new vision, not the ones you want to leave behind.
4. Start to give. You can not receive anything that you don't give. If you want more love, give it out to everyone. More understanding? Try to see things from others' points of view. If you want more money, start to give some away. This is an old spiritual principal, and you know those always work. You must give to receive.
5. Make one of your resolutions one of self-care. Take care of yourself this year in every way. Do not be around toxic people or situations. Eat fresh foods in a nice atmosphere. Take a long walk every day outdoors. Get into a stretch or Yoga class. Spend time alone meditating or just enjoying your own alone time. Get a massage or Shiatsu at least once a month. Spend time with people that love you, just the way you are, no corrections necessary. Let these people give you tender loving care and enjoy it, not feeling guilty. Devote some time each week in spiritual study. It will bring you a new sense of faith and peace. Give yourself play days. A couple of times a month or more if you can. I try for once a week. I play, meaning I do whatever I want all day; no appointments, dreary phone calls, nothing off your "to do list." Even hang out in your pajamas for the day. Go to the toy store and buy yourself some stuff; coloring books, a slinky, anything you see that will make you laugh.
Growth and change begins within. As you make these internal changes your life will re-shape itself. You will move toward your heart's desire. After you have done these steps and begun on your journey to your wishes, have faith that all your dreams will come true. Remember, lots of times "Fairy tales do come true."