What Do You Want to Be Different This Year..?

There's something magical about the beginning of a new year. We spend much of our time concerned with meetings, deadlines or bills that have a much more near-term focus. But a year is a reflection of our long-term growth, and, often, life-changing circumstances. It's good that we reflect on what we haven't done yet that we want to do this year. It's good that we think about what we've done last year that we may not want to repeat or continue this year. Another four seasons to make things a little bit (or a lot) better.

But it's also important to realize that it's simply an opportunity. And opportunities must be seized to be taken advantage of. That's where the courage to change comes in.



Alcoholics Anonymous has a slogan:
"Your Best Thinking Got You Here."

Einstein expressed a similar perspective with this quote:
"Problems cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them."

Finally, Ghandi shared this wisdom on the power of our thoughts:
"Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviors. Keep your behaviors positive because your behaviors become your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny."

So, herein lies the irony: The key to permanent, fundamental change for the good lies in the power of our thoughts, which we experience every moment. The key is absolute consciousness right now - presence.

I have, as I believe we all do, a unique opportunity to make this year a year of profound fundamental change for the good. I'm committed to it, and I would like you to commit to it too. I can help you if the changes you're seeking involve taking a proactive role in creating and maintaining your health and wellness. I'll give you everything I have to give and will do my best to continue to find new ways to help you improve those critically important areas of your life.

Of you - I ask only this: Be present. Help me to find a deeper sense of service, of extending good. Share the blog with your friends, family and colleagues this year. Start to incorporate some (or all) of the changes I recommend in these posts into your life. Find a "wellness buddy" and make it a game - sponsor each other and check in with each other, comparing your respective progress, successes and struggles. Share them with me and others by posting comments and I'll do my best to address them as they come up.

Let's make this year different than all those that have gone by already. Let's start now:

In this moment.