It's only the sixth day of 2009 and already, it seems that everything you read in the newspaper or magazines and watch on television is telling you how to approach the year. Spend to help the economy, don't spend because you may be in dire straits sooner rather than later, look for holidays in the UK, don't even think of booking a holiday, make New Year's resolutions and get busy right away, don't make resolutions because we always fail at them and it will make you feel worse when you do. So, who do you believe and what should you do? It's confusing and not very helpful.
I received an email from my University, wishing me Happy New Year. I loved what it said, and am going to paraphrase it here as it was simple, smart and positive:
A New Year...
Celebrate the Past. Look forward to New Beginnings. Pause for Reflection. Make Resolutions for Change. Pledge to Pay it Forward.
I do believe in pausing for reflection and the New Year is as good a time as any. It is a symbol of new beginnings and a convenient start date for anything we want to do to improve ourselves and/or our circumstances. I will make every attempt not to be swept up by the media storm, telling me what to think, how to feel and what to do next. I will trust my own instincts, consider advice carefully and when in doubt, pause before acting rather than being a victim of panic and haste. Most importantly, I will do my best to take a positive and proactive approach to each day as it comes.
Remember all the great opportunities that life brings and the support that is available to you. They may require searching out, but they are there. So, I suggest that you think of making your great life resolutions. Make them according to what you know about yourself. After all, you are the best expert on yourself and the life you want to live.
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