... isn't that what most of us are always wanting to do for the sake of a new wardrobe, hairstyle, job, hobby, habits?

Now that we have welcomed in the New Year with all our hopes and dreams and resolutions (if any) for this year, have we taken the time to appreciate the past year with all that it meant for us, our successes or failures, our everyday routines, our family and friends, our new roles in life and in the community.  There are so many things we would never throw out, no matter how many new or exciting episodes have found an important place in our life.  Special birthday or anniversary cards might be for keeps as well as that special "I love you" scribbled at the bottom of our son's or daughter's first drawing. Those will never be an "out with the old".  On the other hand "old" we could certainly associate with any outdated bills or "old" bank statements or that shirt that has been put away year after year hoping I might manage to put off those extra inches that won't allow me to fasten the last two buttons!

It all depends on each individual as to what we term as "new" or "old" but we can certainly find a balance in between the two.

For those who do not like to make New Year Resolutions but always have so much to do, here are a few tips for making this year ... well, if nothing else, a better one than the last!

• List your achievements from last year, big or small...these can be anything from keeping a regular To Do List to taking up a new hobby - congratulate yourself and concentrate on keeping up your great work.
• List your not so happy moments or regrets and evaluate what you have learnt from the situations.
• List your goals for this year (not resolutions) and make notes of how you may achieve them, even if the goal is to be achieved within years, think of easy steps that will lead to your goals without stressing yourself.
• Create a quiet time for yourself each day when you can wind down, away from chores and noise so you can hear yourself think - this will help you prioritize your commitments, leaving you with a clear mind. It is a good idea to have a notepad/diary handy at this time so you can jot down any ideas, solutions to problems, etc.  This special time will help you think creatively and positively. You can also use this time for reflection and prayer.
• De-clutter your life.  You might say it is easier said than done, well that is what I have always said until I took it seriously and have found out it is very definitely possible as well as rewarding.  I started with a regular exercise each day in which I went through a drawer or corner or shelf and re-organized it throwing out whatever I knew I did not need - at first it was hard as I am quite a hoarder but I have always found some things to clear like out-dated magazines (which you can give to your hairdresser), unwanted gifts (great for raffling at the community centre) or just anything I haven't worn in years (recyled buttons and best fabric for crafts) and thrown the rest out.  Doing this for a mere 15 - 20 minutes a day will certainly add up over the coming months. Another great idea is to get rid of a similar item whenever you make a new purchase...I have just bought some new pots and pans and so I knew I had to get rid of the older ones... I had to or I would not have had the space to store them!
• Organise your mail as soon as it arrives or as soon as you are able to - separate the important mail like bills, bank statements, insurance policies, reports, etc. from the junk mail.  Keep your important mail safely in a file folder or drawer for dealing with as soon as possible when you can pay your monthly or bi-monthly bills and file away the rest of the paperwork - do not procrastinate on this as just putting it away out of sight will not get the bills paid or the filing done.  All other mail such as coupons, flyers, brochures you can put away in a handy pile and keep in your living area to go through when you are having a cup of tea or a five-minute break.
• Buy yourself a couple of inspirational books, these can be on art, crafts, cooking, photography, gardening - year after year you will be able to build up a library that you can enjoy browsing through, even if it is for the pictures.
• Do something different this year, like taking up walking with your hubby or friend more often, taking more notice of the food you eat, its colour and texture and think of the process that brought it to your table.  Stop to feed the birds or count the clouds or to enjoy your favourite music...the list is endless and it is all up to you!
• Last but not least, make sure you let your loved ones know how much you love them.

Whatever goals you will achieve whether it be one or many, it is in the exercise of trying to be better that will make you a better person. And please don't forget to S M I L E - it will make all the difference to you as well as to others!

 

Here's my favourite quote from the Bible:

...do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on.  Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing?

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not worth much more than they?

...Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:25,26,34