ReSOULutions

Happy New Year everyone. It’s the 12th day of the New Year and here I am. Some would say that I'm late in posting. Am I?

Every year people use the start of the New Year to implement change, with a long list that is usually abondandoned by February or way before that. Why? In my experience the list is usually unachievable, unrealistic and lists lots of great things, but no plan of action to accompany the fabulous things written on lovely paper, in your best handwriting. I am sure at some point we have all experienced the overwhelming feelings of failure, as we reflect over what we did and didn’t do within that year.

For the majority it is this feeling that has led many to abandon resolutions all together. This is not my reason. At some point years ago, I woke up to question how wasteful and absurd it felt to reflect on my life at the end of 365 days and then on the same day, plan what I wanted for the forthcoming 365 days. A new day is born with the rising of the sun and therefore each day provides the perfect opportunity to reflect, change and implement what we want.

This yearly rite is not to dissimilar to what I call “living for the weekend” syndrome, which refers to people who are unhappy within their 9-5 positions and just look forward to getting smashed on the weekends. Alcohol and the rest are merely blocking out tools that suppress the pain and gripes for the moment. The cycle starts all over again on Monday morning. The overwhelming feeling of hope does not need to be delayed until New Years eve, which is symbolised by fireworks and unity. Everyday is a celebration, the only difference is there aren’t fireworks to mark the occasion.

I therefore see the benefits of what I will call ReSOULutions, the awareness of what is going on for you internally now, consciously acknowledging how you deal with the feelings and thoughts on an external level. I don’t care what anyone says, ignorance is not bliss. Reflection, awareness and action are the keys on the same ring holder that promotes change. Hiding the keys until the end of the year, restricts the accessibility to freewill and various choices. No choice is still a choice as existentialist would argue, but what a waste of possibilities that is.

As there is no time like the present I am not late in my posting, just as you are not late in thinking about your ReSOULutions. Move away from goals influenced by external factors and begin with internal acknowledgement and awareness.

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© 2011 Lisa Bent