It’s the beginning of a new year and a reflective time for many of us. It is also a time where we begin to feel that we are not enough the way we are … we see internet ads, read blogs all about self-improvement, goals, resolutions, forming new habits, all of which is shouting at us we can be a better version of ourselves.

A friend of mine before teaching her yoga class last week said she doesn’t do new year resolutions, or set goals because they just set her up for failure. And as most of you know, I believe goals are set because we feel that attaining that goal will make us feel better. So, what if we turned that around and decided to feel better first?

This writing seem to flow out of me effortlessly, and I know it was meant for me to share with you. Maybe because I need to be okay with where I am right now in my life and with my choices. What if today, we chose to be or do one of the things listed below. Remember it’s just for today, tomorrow is not here yet, all we have is this present moment. I would love to hear in the comment box below if any of these resonate with you.

What if today we…

• loved ourselves exactly the way we are now. [the way your pet gives you unconditional love]
• accepted the weather as it is — no matter what it may be like outside. [we cannot control the weather]
• realized any resistance in our lives is our own. [this is a big one, take a few deep breaths and read it again]
• embraced our bodies just they way they are. [period]
• chose one person to write a thank you note to and mailed it. [via snail mail, not email]
• turned off the TV and read something inspiring. [a real book, not on the computer ;-]
• spoke to ourselves with encouragement and understanding, the way we do with our children or close friends. [letting go of should of’s]
• knew that change is as simple as changing our mind, our perspective. [looking at it another way]
• loved others exactly where they are, on their own path, even if it’s different from ours. [we can agree to disagree]
• enjoyed our own company. [there is difference between being alone and being lonely]
• when hearing or thinking of the word responsibility, we see it as two words: response and ability. [our ability to respond instead of react]
• chose to be happy, no matter what circumstances arise. [simply choose happiness]
• took some me time and did something that makes our heart sing. [do you know what that is?]
• forgave everyone who we felt wronged us this past year, or who misunderstood our intentions. [forgiveness is really for you, not the other person]
• ate what our body desired and we let ourselves enjoy it. [eating more mindfully]
• trusted our intuition, and believed everything always works out for the best. [trusting in the unfolding process]
• knew that the real power came from within ourselves, not outside of us. [you know what’s best for you]
• treated every person with love and respect. [including yourself]
• decided to go to bed early and get some much needed rest. [or took a nap]
• gave a heartfelt complement to someone. [you could make their day]
• believed we always have more money than we need. [giving thanks for what we have now]
• slowed down to feel, instead of forcing something to happen. [action without feeling first is useless]
• chose to simply BE [Breathe & Expand]

As my friend, Erin Geesaman Rabke recently wrote about the new year, “Perhaps loving and relaxing into our imperfect selves as we are is a true act of courage and kindness and one that’s dearly needed. If any “improvements” are to come, may they emerge from a deep well of compassion and respect rather than aggression toward what is.”

Can I get an Amen?