Forget New Year's resolutions and embrace real change for the New Year ahead


Do you make well intentioned resolutions for the New Year, but come February you’ve either forgotten them, or end up feeling guilty because you didn’t stick to them?  
You are not alone; I think it would apply to most of us.  
Nevertheless, the beginning of a new year with all the potential and possibilities that lie ahead is a good time to stop and take stock of where we are in life.  
Instead of making resolutions, here are a few suggestions to help you embrace the changes you would like to make in the year ahead.

Set aside some time for yourself and download your free Embracing the New Year worksheet.
Sit quietly for a few moments and concentrate on just breathing. Then, with a pen and your worksheet (download it here if you haven't already) in hand, slowly reflect on the past year. 
Here are some questions to inspire your thoughts.
  • What challenges did I face and overcome this past year?
  • What did I learn about myself that surprised me, or made me proud?
  • What experiences changed my understanding and beliefs?
  • What situations or events caused anger and hurt?
  • What experiences left me feeling defeated?
  • What would I have done differently in certain situations?
  • What do I need to give myself more of in the coming year? 
  • What do I need to let go of?
  • What am I most grateful for?

Every year we are gifted with new experiences, new challenges and meet new people who contribute to our life. They bring to us unique life lessons we may never experience again. 
Sometimes the greatest challenges and the people we most struggle with teach us the most. 
Choosing to leave behind anger, resentments, and old grudges and to take into the coming year, the good, the wisdom the year has yielded and all we are grateful for, is perhaps the only resolve we need to fully embrace the year ahead.
 Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts. 
- Winston Churchill

To download your free Embracing the New Year worksheet - click here.
Follow me on Facebook for more tips and information and for details of my upcoming Stress Management workshops.
Location: Melbourne VIC, Australia

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