I love new beginnings, starting with a clean slate. That’s one of the things I love about the start of a new year. But then reality begins to set in, and I begin to wonder why I so often struggle with New Year’s Resolutions. I start out with such enthusiasm and high expectations but seem to continually let myself down!
I then began to realize that my resolutions often highlight the ways I feel like I am not quite measuring up; areas I feel like I need to improve on. As I look at those things, I can end up feeling like I am just not good enough. That doesn’t sound like a positive way to kick off the New Year – and it hasn’t worked for me!
Wouldn’t it be great to start off focusing on the things we are grateful for instead?! Of course there are things that need some attention. But if that’s all we focus on, we only set ourselves up for disappointment. Then we lose sight of all the good!
Maybe this year we resolve to count our blessings; to show gratitude for what is wonderful in our world and joyful in our lives. Maybe instead of another gym membership, we treat ourselves to a little something that reminds of what we have accomplished and how much we have to be grateful for!
Kick off the New Year in a New Way … treat yourself, focus on how much you have accomplished and how much there is to be grateful for.
