Happy New Year… Now What?

When the countdown is finished, and the ball in Times Square has dropped… when the fireworks show is over, and the champagne bottle is empty… when the last kiss is given, and the final stanza of Auld Lang Syne is sung… what do you do next?

You’ll be tempted to reflect. It’s okay to look back and take stock, enjoy a sweet recollection of a good time, review a lesson learned from a difficulty you faced, but you don’t want dwell in the past.

The new year reminds us that time is moving forward, and so should we. As businessman, Michael Altshuler says, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” Honor the past, but prepare yourself to meet new people, go on new adventures, and make new memories.

Practice Mindfulness

Staying focused on the present and living in the now is a habit that will serve you well. Too often we allow ourselves to recall past mistakes or missed chances. Letting negative thoughts occupy your mind only works to depress your good feelings. Conversely, worrying about the future only serves to waste your time and make you feel anxious.

Whenever you find these types of thoughts creeping into your brain, train yourself to immediate return your thoughts to the present. When you focus on what you can do today, you will get more done, you will move closer to your goals, and you will feel better.

Start your new year with some positive affirmations. Say to yourself, “For 2019, I choose love and joy and peace. I release my fears: of failure, of change, and of not being good enough. I let go of anger, and carry no grudges or resentment. I feel healthy and full of energy. Everything in my life is getting better. I allow myself to take risks. And, I take bold steps toward my goals.”

You may want to take the advice of Tom Peters, the author of In Search of Excellence, who says, “Celebrate what you want to see more of.” In other words, do that which makes you feel good about yourself.

If you like to make New Year’s resolutions, and you are able to keep them, then making them can be a good thing. However, if you are unable to keep them, and that makes you feel depressed or guilty, then don’t do it. As an anonymous comedian once quipped, “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.”

A better method is offered by Helen Keller, who said, “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”

Is it a Crisis or an Opportunity?

With the new year, expect to see new obstacles and challenges, but for 2019 make a conscious decision to see them as opportunities instead of crises. It’s fascinating that in the Chinese language, the symbol that is used for the word “crisis” is also the symbol used for the word “opportunity.” Crisis and Opportunity are in essence simply the opposite sides of the same coin depending on your perspective. When you can look for the opportunity in every crisis, you will prosper.

The new year is a great time to make new commitments to yourself. A commitment to better health, and healthy habits. Author, C.S. Lewis, once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

A new year is a time to renew, refresh, and rejuvenate. And, a great place to do that is right here at OHI. Begin your journey of the next 365 days with your special community of loving supportive people. Start your new year off right by honoring your body, mind, and spirit with our yoga classes, delicious recipes, and the heartfelt camaraderie of the OHI community.

As we say goodbye to 2018, we at OHI thank you for giving us another great year! We’ll be sharing lots of hugs here on New Year’s Eve, and we’d love it if you would join us in the celebration.