By Reverend Ric
New Year is a time when so many of us will make a resolution to change in some way. The most common resolutions made at the beginning of 2019 were: Eat healthier, get more exercise, save more money, greater focus on self-care — especially getting enough sleep– read more, make new friends, learn a new skill and get a new job.
These are great intentions for Americans. At some level of our consciousness, we know that the way many of us live, work and care for ourselves can use significant improvement. And despite all of us knowing that we need to make course corrections in the direction of our lives, about 80% of the resolutions made on New Year’s Eve will fall by the wayside before February is finished. Why?
If you are interested in real change, stack the deck in your favor by creating a solid plan to approach personal change from a spiritual perspective. Some suggestions for your plan:
Start by forgiving yourself — you have always done the best you could at the time so release the past. We have all had enough shame for a lifetime. It is time to become your own chief cheerleader.
Adopt or strengthen a Mindfulness practice that will help you remain focused on your intentions.
Connect with like-minded people who will support your efforts. Life is better in Community!
Work with an accountability partner, someone you trust to be honest with you.
Set written goals that stretch you and are realistic. Once you achieve a goal, set another; inch by inch, day by day, is the sure way to stay on track.
Remain conscious and track your progress. If you stumble, quickly forgive yourself and immediately take a positive step to get back on track. Do not listen to the perfectionist in your head that wants to throw in the towel at the first challenge.
Use the power of your imagination to visualize the life you are creating. Make a Vision Board to assist you.
Everyone wants to change something about their life but few want to actually change. The reality is that change is always happening. The life you have now is a result of thousands of choices made over time. We humans always have the ability to choose again.
You can make this New Year your best ever. Only Love, Ric.
Rev. Ric Spiritual Leader. Unity of Royal Oak Oak is #MoreThanAChurch, we’re a Center for Conscious Living.