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A new kind of resolution

This New Year’s Eve, why not make a pledge to be kinder to yourself in 2014?
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At the end of every year people tend to reflect on the previous 365 days. Sometimes we reminisce about fun times with friends and family. Other times we look back and recall the things we didn’t accomplish.

Inevitably we end up discussing the dreaded New Year’s Resolution. I say dreaded, because let’s face it, resolutions usually include giving things up and hard work. Things like lose 15 pounds, give up wheat, give up sugar, hit the gym every day, drink less beer… these resolutions are always negative and for the most part we fail at them.

I can’t even count the resolutions I have made and given up on in the first couple of weeks in January. Can you?

So here’s an idea; why not make a different kind of resolution this year? Come up with something like be kinder to yourself, make more time for friends, enjoy the food you eat, commit to enjoy life more. Those things are a lot more positive and probably more fun too.

Sure, getting in shape and eating healthier are important, but perhaps the start of the year doesn’t need to be filled with guilt and the possibility of failure. Maybe the start of a new year can be something more.

If you choose to resolve differently for 2014, you will definitely be setting yourself up for greater things. Your mentality will be positive and more success-focused.

You will be starting the New Year off with a totally new spin on things. Your year will start out happy, expectant, and filled with promise. That is the kind of start we all deserve.

There is a great tool I found online this year. It is called a Celebration Jar. Basically, you write down all of the cool, fun, happy, and exciting things that happen to you, on small pieces of paper.

They don’t all have to be big things; actually they shouldn’t only be the big things. You can write down things like seeing a bald eagle, getting a raise, taking a class, winning a contest, trying a new food, finally sorting your closet, reconnecting with an old friend…the possibilities are endless.

All that matters is you write down the things that matter to you. This is a very personal exercise.

At the end of the year, as you ring in the new, you get to pull out your jar and celebrate just how awesome the previous 365 days were for you. I bet you will be surprised at how amazing your year really was.

What’s more, you get to empty that jar, knowing you will be filling it again, with all the great things that will happen in the coming year.

This simple activity can be powerful. It can help you start your new year off right.

So, as we say goodbye to 2013, reflect on all the good things that have happened and look forward to all the amazing things that 2014 will hold.

Have a Happy New Year!

– Cloverdale’s Dawn Carson likes to help others lead more positive lives.