Resolutions

“We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet
For days of auld lang syne.”
Robert Burns

With 2021 now underway, you’re probably well into, or out of, your New Year Resolutions.  If you’re into it – Yay, Keep Going!  If you’re out of it – Don’t Despair!  I have a tip here that can hopefully help whether you’re in, out, or somewhere in-between.

Many of us would like to forget 2020 existed with all the serious health trials and difficulties of the year.  But with the year of 2020 now passed, it’s time for reflection.  Coincidentally, ‘reflection ‘is the last part of every yoga pose too!

Here is how it goes:

1). Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the center of it.
2). On the left side column, write down positive things that happened last year.  Think hard.  It need not be grandiose accomplishments.  It could be as simple as:

I met a new neighbor I liked
I got an ‘A’ in Spelling
I held my mother’s hand

Write down as many things you can think of.  Think of things that gave you joy, whether big or small.

3). On the right side of the column, write your disappointments.  These could be huge losses or small hurts. Leave space under each disappointment. For example,

I got a bad haircut 
I got a ‘D’ in Science 
My heart broke over the death of my loved one

4). After you write your disappointments down.  Write underneath each disappointment something you gained from the experience.  For Example:

I got a bad haircut
I need to find pictures of what I like

I got a ‘D’ in Science
I need my teacher’s help

My heart broke over the death of my loved one
I have a heart with capacity for great love

5). Lastly, create your list for 2021 by choosing experiences in 2020 you’d like to expand upon.
For Example:

2021

Meet more neighbors I like
Get more A’s in my studies
Hold my mother’s hand more
Show pictures to hair stylist
Ask my teacher for help 
Although my heart hurts, my love is great

Wishing you a beautiful new year.

 

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Dr. Joan A. Budilovsky

Writer/Harpist/Friend

Joan is also a long-standing Chicago-Area Newspaper Columnist (Yo Joan!).  Her columns are on meditation, yoga and stress reduction – subjects she has studied, taught and practiced for decades.  A former professional musician, she continues to carry music in her heart and harps.  Her Doctorate is in Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

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