Embracing the New You in the New Year!
- Kelly Browne
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
As we count the seconds to the sparkling new year, we embrace the magic of possibility, celebrating the opportunity for fresh starts and clean slates to put the past behind us. Father Time strikes midnight, and we are suddenly reborn through a worldwide celebration into an exciting chapter of our lives, resolving to be better, healthier, or more mindful versions of ourselves. While some of us keep those thoughtful resolutions, many become distracted by the rushing river of life and the storms that steal our attention, bringing us to our knees. Taking care of our families, difficult relationships, or navigating work often distracts us from our self-care. In this journey of shiny new beginnings, how do we resolve to keep those whispered promises to ourselves and grasp the future to be the person our heart wishes us to be? Here are a few ways to manifest the new you in the new year:
Time is money...and your most valuable asset. Rather than wait for a situation that forces you to treasure your time on this earth, seize this moment. Shift your thoughts to the wonderful things that make up your beautiful life and the people you've loved along the way. Positive "thoughts" cary an energy that vibrates on a higher frequency than fear, anger, or resentment. Try it. Notice how different you feel when you think of something that gives you joy versus what upsets you. If you focus on things that are negative, or with people who drain you, you have, in essence, given them your money. Start by setting boundaries with people and situations that steal your time. Reconsider how you want to invest your time in yourself. Make a list of blessings and really feel that sparkling magic of gratitude...it's contagious.
Pay attention...and observe. Your words, thoughts, and actions create your life. If you are complaining about your current situation, what are you actively doing to change it? Blaming someone else for your outcome in life keeps you stuck there— only you have the power to change it. When we stay in that cycle of hurt, it creates the space for disease in our body. Forgiveness helps you heal wounds and release toxic feelings that fester, but it never disregards the emotional impact that caused you harm. Write down what is bothering you. Some of the items on that list are temporary, and as ancient sages say, "This too shall pass." Speak to a therapist, make an action plan, or think about making a "mind movie" with the images of the vision you want to create for your one precious life.
Create a ritual of self-care...and compassion. Your mental wellness is critical to your health and rules your physical body. Instead of feeling like you have to join a gym to be fit, start by just being mindful of getting a balance of healthy food in your day. Spiritual sages incorporate walking as part of their daily routine, also known as "forest bathing," to reduce stress and create an opportunity to connect to yourself. Walking is an amazing time to connect to your intuition and ground yourself back in your body. Simple things like a hot bath, cup of tea, or a piece of dark chocolate are also great ways to center ourselves.
Most importantly, remember your breath that gives you life, and be conscious of when you stop breathing... it is critical to your survival. Just breathe three times and embrace compassion for yourself. All we have is this present moment. Right here, right now.
Be selfish and invest your time, energy and love into your greatest asset: you.
Kelly Browne is a best-selling gratitude expert on thank-you notes for adults and children. She is the author of the series, 101 Ways to Say Thank You: Notes of Gratitude for Every Occasion (Adams Media/S&S, 2022), (Cedar Fort, 2015), and her new book, 101 Ways to Create Mindful Forgiveness (HCI, March 2023). KellyBrowne.net.
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