2016: Onward and Upward I Go

For the past few years, I have been making lists of resolutions for the new year. The lists went on and on, in a rambling mix of “things I want to do before I die” and self-improvement tasks. At the end of the year, I would realize that I didn’t even accomplish half of what I had listed. (Most likely because I forgot about the tasks by June.) So for 2016, my list is going to look a little different. It’s shorter yet broader, and it can morph and be redefined as the year goes on.

2015 was about disconnecting from the “weirdness” of 2014. That year started weird, stayed weird and ended weird. I didn’t want that to happen again. To “correct” it, I took a different approach to life. I tried to be more present, to engage with new people, and to immerse myself in situations that I wouldn’t normally be in. Also, I kept the following list of words in my subconscious, drawing on them when I didn’t know what to do or when I needed something to feel or find: Magic, Bliss, Light, Laughter, Inspiration, Love, Compassion, Peace, Stillness, Trust, Strength, Connection.

For 2016, I’m shortening my list of words to only three: Honesty, Light and Love. You can’t have one without the others. They are my foundation for the next 366 days. (Bring on that leap day magic!) The past year was a good year. It wasn’t weird, although it did have its moments. It seemed elevated. I could see more, do more, feel more, learn more. And I’m going to keep that momentum heading into the new year and beyond.

“Something is going to come out of this. Something new. This can end you up in a whole new place — a better place, a much more open place.” Pema Chodron

Wishes for the New Year

• Play outside more. It’s good for my soul.
• Tap into my creativity: write. paint. doodle. take photos. study lettering.
• Be more conscious about my mental, physical and emotional health.
• Be proud of what I accomplish professionally and personally.
• Live in the present. Yet remember that today’s actions create tomorrow’s results.
• Love more. This includes myself, my friends and family, the people I have yet to meet, and those I may never encounter. There are no limits.