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As the world gathers to watch an illuminated ball drop to the beat of numbers chanted and hearts pounding, 365 days whirl through our heads as we remember the past year of our lives; as confetti flutters exuberantly through the night sky and lips meet as the clock strikes midnight, we look forward to what is ahead. Before us is the promise of a new year. A blank slate is an epitome of hope, 365 chances to better ourselves and better the world we live in. This is why New Year's Resolutions are so appealing- they are promises we make to ourselves that will, in some way, make the upcoming year different than those that have come before it. Unfortunately, we are easily seduced by the cliché materialistic traps, like losing X pounds or earning X amount of money, which can sour the hope of a new year with unnecessary competition and self-judgement. This year, I challenge you to make New Year's Resolutions that don't focus on material objects or superficiality; make 2017 the year that you resolve to better your mind, relationships, and soul.
Find something to be grateful for every day.
Not every day is good, but there is something good in every day. Make a point to find at least one thing to be grateful for each day, and you may be surprised at all life's beautiful moments that can be easily overshadowed by every day trials.
Read more books.
Fall in love with a story. Enrich your mind while becoming immersed in a novel. Pick up an introductory guide to that one topic you have always been curious about. Make an effort to simply read something that brings you joy.
Unplug.
Set aside time to unplug from all screens, and simply be in the moment with those around you. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook can wait, life will not.
Challenge yourself.
Have a hobby you were always curious to try? A position at work or in an organization you have been too nervous to apply for? A person you have been wanting to connect with? Make this year the year you do that one thing. Challenge yourself, and then overcome each obstacle with courage and humility. We don't grow if we stay where we are. Keep moving, keep growing.
Be present.
Strive to be fully present with the people you are with this year. In an age where everything is documented online, it is easy to shift our focus on how a gathering may look on social media rather than fully engaging. Engage. Live in the moment.
Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right. - Oprah Winfrey
