For something new to begin something old has to end, and so it is at the end of every year! Today is the last day of 2011 and we need to say good-bye to the year that was in order to make room for the new year that will begin tomorrow.
New Year’s Eve is always a wonderful time for reflection as we contemplate the year that is about to end. Whether you can look back on the year and say “wow – what a great year I’ve had” - or “wow, that was a difficult year, I’m glad it’s over” it’s always good to acknowledge the past. By reflecting on the past we can re-affirm what is important to us and what we want in our life and bring these positive things forward into our new year and make a conscious decision to leave all that is not good and not serving us behind.
New Year’s Eve is also a wonderful time to dream and visualize the future we want. It’s from our dreams and visions that we can set meaningful goals or new year’s resolutions that will create the fertile environment we need for our dreams and visions to become a reality.
This New Year’s Eve when you are dreaming and visualizing your ideal life – remember to visualize all aspects of your life – Who are the important people who you want to share 2012 with? What do you want to be doing to earn an income? How much do you want to earn? What sort of health do you want? What leisure activities do you want to enjoy? Where do you want to live? What talents do you want to use? Do you want to grow this year by starting a new hobby, taking a course, reading self development books, finding a coach, growing in spirituality? How do you want to contribute to the community you live in?
When you have a complete picture of your ideal life you can then look at where you are today and where you want to be and see the “gap” that you need to bridge this year. This usually requires us to change – it may be old habits need to be replaced with new ones – there maybe things you need to stop doing and others that you need to start doing. This is where goals and action plans come into effect.
When setting your goals or new year’s resolutions remember to ensure they are all positive present tense statements! This will motivate you and help you achieve it. A good example that often happens this time of year is that people make a new year’s resolution to “stop smoking”. This is a negative statement and usually doesn’t inspire the person to do what is necessary to quit the habit. A positive goal for wanting to stop smoking is to say: “I am now a non-smoker” and to add more descriptive words you could also say “I am now a healthy non-smoker with excellent lung capacity and unlimited energy!”
2011 for me was a challenging year and in the challenges I have experienced huge personal growth, particularly spiritually – so in farewelling 2011 I am grateful for everything that I have learnt. In welcoming 2012 I look forward optimistically to continue my life’s journey of following my passion and purpose through The Joyful Life. I wish you all a wonderful 2012 and look forward to sharing your wins and challenges during the year!
Bernadette Griffiths is a Professional Trainer and Speaker, Certified Coach and budding Writer.
Bernadette’s passion is giving businesses and individuals the information and tools they need to lead successful, inspired, and joyful lives.
With 30 years of business experience and 50+ years of life’s ups and downs, Bernadette is well qualified to speak, train, write and coach on the success principles of Joyful Living.
Contact Bernadette to find out how you can live The Joyful Life.
