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New Year, New You
January 6, 2023
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift - that's why they call it the present."
Unknown
- If “well begun is half done,” then I’m feeling quite accomplished about this year already.
- That’s because I’ve reflected on the major events of the past year and how I feel about them. I’ve envisioned my high-level intentions for the coming year, set some goals, and prioritized tasks. I’ve asked my higher self for insights and guidance on certain areas. And I’m creating a vision board.
- For some people, the thought of New Year’s resolutions is soooo boring or feels like nagging. But for me, envisioning the year ahead is empowering and inspiring. Why? Perhaps because my focus is more on how I can serve my community - humanity, the Universe, God - rather than how I want to be served. Regardless, the process works. Amazingly well. Every time.
- Seven steps: How I envision the year ahead and then create it. Try them for yourself and you may just have your best year yet!
Step 1. Consider the past, the potential, and especially, the present
I do look at my past as well as my potential future, but my focus is always on the present: what’s ready to be expressed now, how past and potential future make me feel now, what I can learn and do and be and have right now.
Step 2. Give yourself time and inspiration will come
I allow a few days for the process to unfold. I set an intention to receive inspiration over those days, and I schedule some time every day for contemplation. Journaling works best for me, but you might try meditation, yoga, or a walk in nature. Then briefly jot down thoughts you want to remember.
Step 3. Bring your best self
I invite my inner child to join me. You might want to invite your inner artist, higher soul, or higher self - the aspect of your being that will bring you the wisest, most inspired perspective.
Step 4. Use your intuitive imagination
I daydream and imagine this or that coming to fulfillment in my life. Sometimes I am very specific: “I think I might like thus and so…I wonder what it would look like, sound like, feel like....” and off I go. I visualize in detail, I don’t hold back, and I stay open to even better possibilities. Remember, this is an imaginative process, much like creative brainstorming - you'll have time to analyze, judge, and edit later.
I often receive surprising ideas and, occasionally, an amazing gem. If there is an area of life I want to focus on - for example, a relationship to heal, a problem to solve, or a special project I want to start - I may ask, “What do I need to know or do about this, so that I can welcome the blessings that are there for me?”
I always know when I’ve received a direct answer because I feel it strongly resonating within me - I may laugh out loud or cry tears of joy, depending on the particular “Aha!” that comes to me.
Step 5. Use your whole brain
After I've engaged my intuition and received creative insights - when that process feels complete - I identify, evaluate, and prioritize the main areas of my life, as well as specific ideas, tasks, and activities within the highest priority areas.
- Which areas of life are most important to me at this time - occupation, family, health, personal growth?
- What goals might I choose for them? What about my health do I want to change - run a marathon, improve nutrition, heal a specific ailment?
- What specific tasks and activities are needed to achieve these goals - schedule an appointment with a nutritionist, take a cooking class, plan meals, prepare foods?
- What action steps am I ready to take at this time - say, over the next few weeks? These become my marching orders.
- Regarding my goals and action items, when will I check in? To whom will I be accountable? Scheduling check-ins helps me evaluate my progress, tweak goals, and add/change tasks.
- How will I know I've accomplished a goal? And how will I celebrate my success? Hint: Organizing large projects into smaller, "milestone" goals helps you realize your progress along the way, and makes the whole process more rewarding.
Step 6. Make your vision real
Sometimes I am inspired to create a vision board. For me, this is also an entirely intuitive process.
- When pulling pictures from magazines or the Internet, I don’t search for specific images; I simply allow myself to be attracted to them without knowing why.
- After pulling images, I lay them out to explore themes and patterns - and I move them around until I come up with a pleasing layout. Note: only about half of the pictures make it to the final board.
- Then I come up with "keywords" and phrases that fit the pictures and make me smile.
- Assembly is easy: all I need is posterboard and tacks (or a gluestick).
- I place my vision board where I can see it every day to remind myself of the life I am creating. I may even take a picture so I can look at it on my phone.
Step 7. Share the joy
Invite others to join in the fun - people who can support you during the process. Having a friend or family member as a buddy or accountability partner can help to ensure your ultimate success.
The Vision Board above is one I created a few years ago. You can read more on that blogpost, Fresh Starts. And even more on another blogpost from around the same time, New Life in the New Year. Enjoy!