About 2008

A new year brings hope, anticipation, and possibilities.  

Some may have a huge sense of relief that the old year has finally passed and a new beginning is finally here.  

I attended a lecture on time management a few years back and the instructor ended his lecture by saying “Time goes by, no matter what you choose to do with it.”  This is a powerful statement. Allow this statement to empower you! No matter where you are physically and emotionally, a new beginning can be considered a gift.  

Take your gift with open arms. Embrace it.  Instead of making a New Year resolution, which can set you up for failure; make a gratitude list. What are you grateful for?  What about the things we typically take for granted?  

My gratitude list looks something like this. I am grateful for:

My relationships with my family and friends.

My home.

Heat that warms my body during the winter months.

Water to drink, cook with, and to clean my body.

My health.

Food to nourish my body.

Relatively clean air to breathe.

Time.

Good sleep.

The ability to exercise.

My Nursing skills.

Art.

Music.

Laughter. 

So, what are you grateful for?

What are your goals for 2008? Can you achieve them? What have you put in place so that you can be successful meeting your goals? 

Don’t get me wrong, I think a New Year resolution is a very good thing if you have PLANNED to become successful.  Saying, I’m going to quit smoking starting on New Years day. There is no plan here, just a hopeful statement. The first time something very stressful happens or the craving for nicotine becomes overwhelming; the resolution will be broken and you may feel like you have failed. You did not fail, but you may have failed to plan.  

Changing behavior is indeed, a process. Be easy on your self. Be grateful for the little forward steps and achievements you are making. 

Have a magnificent, healthy, and fulfilling new year.