Not to worry, this is not going to be another article about New Year's resolutions. Instead, I want to offer you a different way to look at the New Year. Rather than looking at 2017 with the intention to completely change yourself, look at it as an opportunity to take small steps that will lead to bigger shifts.
In order to help you do that, I'm going to offer some simple suggestions you can fold into your everyday life - no drastic changes required here.
Start by getting a desktop calendar that offers daily motivational and/or inspirational quotes. It's a great way to stay positive and focused on the bigger picture. Plus, it's one of those things that you won't realize how much you appreciate it, until you need that extra encouragement.
Next, write yourself four letters. Inspire yourself while you are in the mood to inspire yourself. Write yourself letters that can be opened each quarter - in March, June, September and December. Offer yourself some words of wisdom, some encouragement or whatever else that is on top of your mind at the moment. Then, of course, seal the letters in an envelope and mark each with an appropriate date. If you are really feeling up to it, maybe you could add something special to the envelope to ensure you get a smile on your face when you open the envelopes - a gift card (maybe an Adea gift card) to somewhere special. Pay for it now and enjoy it later.
Lastly, think about one thing you have always wanted to conquer or achieve or do but haven't yet done. It may be something you have always wanted to do but it was always the one thing you used every excuse in the book to get out of. Maybe you wanted to learn a new language or learn how to sew or even bake. Whatever that "thing" is, take the first step to make it a reality. If it's learning a new language, sign yourself up for a workshop or a single class to get yourself exposed to the words and the accent. Or, maybe you go research a local baking class and register for it. Remember, it's not about becoming the next Martha Stewart overnight but instead, it's about taking the small steps to get you to where you want to be.
However you choose to start your 2017, I wish you the best of luck. Time flies, so you may as well embrace each moment for as long as you can.
Happy 2017!
- Aimee
