Yoga enthusiasts from across the country unite in Times Square as taxis drive past in New York City. (2007 Getty Images)
New Year Resolutions have always given me anxiety. Maybe it’s because it has always been the same resolutions each year? I’m going to eat less dessert this year, I’m going to go to the gym EVERYDAY starting on the 1st and so on. Mostly to end up by January 5th in the same place I was just a week before. I was never a fan of setting realistic goals at the start of the year; perhaps it was because I didn’t give it much importance. I found myself a few years ago with a different outlook, and as soon as I began to see the changes in my life, this thought quickly changed. Here are some of my favorite New Year resolutions that can help you achieve a different perspective:
Go with the Flow: The beginning of the year is always a good time to start something new. Maybe it’s a new class you’ve been meaning to try, or a new sport you want to get into to. Something that is fun enough that you know isn’t just going to be a new year’s resolution fad that you know will get old. I recently was in Portland, Oregon and tried a new Anti-Gravity Yoga class at a studio called Gravitas and it was so much fun! A friend of mine is starting to take archery classes and he is so excited since this is something he has talked about doing for years. You will be more inclined to keep up a new hobby if it’s something you really enjoy doing.
Let Go: Let go of old a habit. If you haven’t already now is the time to do so. Starting fresh on the 1st of the year always feels good. A lot of the time people feel like it is too late to start changing the way you think, or the way you do things. This is a fallacy. More and more I am hearing people who have been aching for change, and have either been too afraid or too lazy to do something about it. It is never too late to start. Letting go of old habits is a great way to start the year. Maybe you decide to quit smoking, or to cut back on junk food or decide that maybe you’re going to push yourself to go to the gym after work.
Get Inspired: Do something for YOU. I have run the L.A. Marathon three times, all of which have been for a good cause. This year I decided to run to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I joined a training group that trains on the weekends and has an amazing coach and team that support you all the way. Helping my community or working for a good cause inspires me. What inspires you?
Set Your Intention: Setting an intention can be a very powerful thing for most. This helps put to mind whatever goals you wish to achieve this year. Maybe you write it on your bathroom mirror so you see it every day as a fun reminder. Your intention should bring you joy not anxiety. So if your intention produces visibly worrisome results, perhaps a re-evaluation is in order. Set your intention with the things that bring you great joy and pleasure to start the year off right!
Let Live: You have heard of the quote “live and let live” the concept that one should let others live their lives as they see fit. Now is not the time to bring in old conflicts or old ways of thinking. I find that a lot of the time conflicts are worse in your mind than they are in reality. We can get so caught up with the way “we think” things should be and become grossly attached to the results we see fit. Here is the reality, it is always worse in your mind surrounded by all the little details you’ve created that have generated so much anxiety and have now made you ill. This is the year to let all of that go. It is time to find resolve, and allow life to happen the way it needs to. Without us controlling it or becoming attached to “results”.
We survived the end of the Mayan Calendar or “End of the World” and have seen so many positive things happen in the world, as well as some heart wrenching tragedies. We are still a united people, and with a hopeful outlook on 2013 for our society and ourselves we should all do our part in joining together for the best year of our lives. Here’s to 2013!
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