As the last few days of 2015 near, one word comes to mind: reflect.
A new year coming around means a fresh beginning, a chance to start over, and a time for change. During these last days of December, people rush to decide the resolution they are determined to take on in this new year, but what if instead of rashly choosing something to aim for, we took a few minutes to reflect on what we can learn from 2015?
2015 taught me to not neglect the power we have, but to make our own lives what we want them to be. We can choose to live life with optimism or pessimism, with an attitude of acceptance or dissatisfaction, and with a willingness to go and do--or wait.
The choice of optimism or pessimism is one that can affect your life and others. The hopeful attitude and energy of an optimist can change the way you look on the smallest of things, and remind you that there is good in every situation. Positivity can go a long way and often has a chain reaction on those around you; choosing positivity and optimistic friends can better your year and life in several ways. The pessimistic point of view has the same power to affect people. Surrounding yourself with negativity deprives you of the small joys in life. Reflect on your choice to be hopeful or doubtful in 2015 and choose optimism, stay in good company, and wake up with a positive mind each day in this new year.
The ability to choose your attitude daily is one that affects your year greatly as a whole. It's no surprise that every year has it's hard times, but the way you receive those times is what makes the difference. Looking at life as a chance to learn and better yourself with a grateful attitude can make a huge difference in your year. By complaining, the lessons that present themselves through life's challenges can get lost in the negativity. Reflect on what attitude you accepted life with this year and how to welcome 2016 with a willingness to learn.
The choice of going and doing, or sitting and waiting is one everyone struggles with. Whether it be a fact of laziness, timing, or nerves, we all have to make the choice on taking advantage of opportunities or watching it pass and waiting for the next one to come along. Life doesn't stop for anyone, and more than often, the same opportunity doesn't present itself again.
We all have goals, dreams, and the desire to see them happen, but do you have the will to see that it does? There is always a step to be taken, you just have to decide to move forward yourself and stop waiting for success to come to you. Reflect on your decisions in taking what life offers and experiencing it in full this past year, choose to take a chance with what life hands to you this year. Use 2016 to achieve what you want, if you're already reflecting on this past year you have already taken one step.
As the new year comes, take advantage of the time to reflect on 2015. Begin to realize the power you have in everyday choices that can make huge differences in your life and get you where you want to go. Choose optimism, choose a grateful attitude, and choose to do you.
