New Year, New You

With the new year upon us, many have taken time to reevaluate themselves and their lifestyles. Some make huge plans of marriage and children, others keep it basic with intentions of weight loss or that long-awaited vacation. Whether you are planning a career change, or finally trying that spin class, take time to introduce a new venture into your life. Each year is a new year to try something new, reinvent a new chapter, or explore an abandoned interest or talent. We often use this idea of “new,” with the idea the “old,” is no longer acceptable. Not true. What works, what makes you stable and solid, and what drives your comfort and charisma are all great things to continue. But what about what peaks your curiosity, or pushes your dedication? Maybe its returning to school or dying your hair? Perhaps picking up a trade or honing a hobby? Whatever will spark a new feeling is really what the new year is about. Many get so stuck in the transparent exercise vow, that we forget these life changes should already be in practice. Sure, the new year sets the stage for delayed motivation, but use this element of celebration to kick-start a new participation and explore something, well….new.

I say go all out and do something undone. Take a dance class, go rock climbing, internet date, learn to paint. Find a niche otherwise unexplored, and dive in. Reinvent your being. Waist lines become a waste of time if your life line is not involving growth. Let that expand. Save the trite resolutions for everyday, use THAT day to become bilingual or computer literate. Find whatever pushes you, and lunge at it. Find a new outlet. Learn to drive stick shift, or french braid. The smallest talent can seem frivolous when deemed unimportant, yet it can seem magnificent once it is  accomplished. A goal is fun, having something to thrive for is exhilarating. All this sweat does not have to take place on the treadmill.

Time is your friend. Don’t become discouraged; what you start in this new year does not have to be mastered in this year. It’s starting that matters. Make your efforts practical, and be patient with your progress. The end is at your pace, not a calendar equivalent. Don’t lose speed because it is slow approaching. Understand some things will need more attention, which may be why they have been avoided for so long. There is no expiration for this exploration, so don’t feel inadequate if expectations fall short. Half the fun and half the lesson is in the attempt. Some things may be instantly rewarding, others may take a lifetime. Either way, you came and you saw. Conquered? Well depends if your glass is half full or half empty. Anything attempted is a positive, and nothing ventured means nothing gained.

Good luck!