HAPPY 2017

Happy 2017! A new year is typically a time when many of us make resolutions. I know it’s not the only time, but because this is the end of one year and the beginning of the next it is a good time to pause, reflect on what has happened, and where we need to, to begin again.
 
I’ve taken the time this year to intentionally stop and do this: to reflect on 2016, to lay it to rest, and then to consider my resolutions for 2017… I thought for a long while about my word for this year, about what I want for 2017… and decided I will take a kind, gentle approach.
 
My word for the year is EXPANSION, which doesn’t seem to fit with a gentle approach. But, when we practise lovingkindness for ourselves, whatever we do can be gentle, since lovingkindness traditionally means wishing good things for ourselves: May we be happy, healthy, safe and loved.
 
For this year I have a number of loving resolutions for myself, and I would wish them for you too – and more may make themselves known as the year flows on. These wishes are for how I want to feel, what I want to do and how I want to be through this coming year.
 
If you are ready to pause and reflect and set your intentions for 2017, you may like to join my Your Brain on Paper 4-week course commencing February 2nd. This course is about change and transition and how to approach change with intention, passion and presence.
 
Here are some of my intentions for 2017. 
 
May I greet each day with a grateful heart.
May I admit when I don’t know something.
May I help those in need.
May I go to bed early.
May I verify news before sharing or reacting to it.
May I drink more water.
May I really listen to others when they are speaking.
May I say “help me understand” when I disagree with someone’s position, instead of immediately defending my own.
May I rest when I need to.
May I see my thoughts as thoughts and not as truth or reality.
May I greet everyone I meet with kindness.
May I notice judgement, practice discernment and cultivate wisdom.
May I make time and space for me.
May I pay attention.
May I work with passion.
May I choose to say ‘NO’ when I need to.
May I tell those I love that I love them.
May I speak kindly to myself.
May I ask myself, “Is this helpful? Is it necessary?”
May I pray, meditate, stretch and walk each morning.
May I help others feel safe, loved and valued. 

What would you wish for yourself?

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