New Year's Wishes, Hopes and Dreams.

I gave up on making resolutions long ago when my resolutions repeated themselves year after year. But rephrasing "resolutions" can help us move forward and improve.

Photo by Eyestetix Studio on Unsplash

I always tend to get reflective this time of year. Actually, I should rephrase that: I always tend to get “even more” reflective this time of year.

A curse and a blessing is being saddled or blessed with a mind that can get hooked on a feeling and turn it every which way. Reflect, recharge, regurgitate, repeat. Yes, that’s me.

And when it comes to resolutions, I used to do that, too: think of the ones I’d like to make, think of them some more, and then berate myself for failing to keep them time and time again.

But hope springs eternal. I suppose we make resolutions - or a form of these promises to ourselves - because:

1. The calendar tells us to do so.

2. We all can use room for improvement.

3. We like to have something to strive for.

4. We are inherently optimistic and hopeful.

Whatever your tradition for the new year, here are some of the more popular resolutions (just in case you’re leaning in this direction), including links to helpful past articles from yours truly and others out there:

1. Lose weight

2. Exercise more

3. Eat more healthfully

4. Manage stress better

5. Get more sleep

6. Cultivate new friendships

7. Ditch the gym

8. Be happier

9. Subscribe to thePause

10. Cultivate a sense of humor (see above)

Whatever you choose to call it - a resolution, a solution, a wish, a challenge to do things differently, or a complete about-face: May your new year be abundant in good health, happiness, peace, and love. And may it be free of worry, illness, and stress!