I know I am supposed to be writing a food blog! But, I figured since everyone is most likely stuffed full of holiday treats, drinks, and celebrating, this would be a good time to reflect on the new year and share with you a quote that inspired me to write this article.
I'll admit it and say it out loud...I hate new years resolutions! Waking up on the first day of a new year saying this is the day I'm going to do xyz... (lose weight, quit smoking, exercise, be happier, etc) may work for a day, a week, a month, but when we don't shift our mindset in general, we slowly tend to slip back into old patterns. I have personally found that finding joy, and being grateful for what you have...instead of focusing on what you don't...is the key to new beginnings. January 1st is no different then today, tomorrow or the day after that. When we begin to shift our thoughts to see the positive or rather FIND the positive in daily life, everything begins to change around you.
To me, the real magic and joy of the holiday season and the start of a new year is to not only give back, but to refocus on the things that really matter. See the holidays through a child's eyes. Volunteer your time at a food bank or an animal shelter. I've done both, and to me, no monetary gift can ever replace the feeling of helping with expecting nothing back in return. Cook a meal for a friend for no reason. Babysit for free for someone who needs a break and cannot afford childcare. Smile at a stranger and say happy holidays. Compliment someone who doesn't expect it. You may make their day :-)
Every morning when you wake up (or if you're like me who doesn't sleep much and needs copious amounts of caffeine in order to get out the door!) make your own resolution to find one small thing to be grateful for. ONE SMALL THING! We are all rushed, tired, overworked, stressed out and sometimes cranky. I get it and am there with you. Life isn't always a bowl of candy bacon (hehehe). Allow yourself to be rushed, tired, and cranky. But keep in mind that there is someone, somewhere, who may be struggling more then you are. And that is the way you turn your new years "resolutions" into every day reality. Don't sweat the small stuff :-) Take one step at a time. Cut yourself a break. Be thankful. For something. Every day. When you mess up, start over. You'll be amazed at what you can change, by simply shifting your way of thinking.
"As we grow older, our holiday list gets smaller, and we find out the things we really want, cannot be bought..."
Wishing you all a very happy 2014!
