Do you make resolutions for the New Year? Do you keep them past the end of, oh, January? It has been a difficult year in many ways and people have been struggling ... financially, with job security, finding employment, over friendships, close relationships, relocating their homes, with physical health, politics, emotionally ... it seems hardship has been attached to many things.
I received a note from someone recently that made me pause. This person shared that a job loss was in the near future and asked if I would write something encouraging for those who may be in that position. She then went on to share that she was looking at this coming event as an opportunity to do something different, perhaps stepping out of the box to a new challenge, possibly getting some training in a line of work never done before.
What a wonderful, uplifting attitude to take towards such a difficult situation. There is that old saying "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." This person is doing exactly that -- and I think she is a lovely example of encouragement all on her own!
There are many things going on in our world today that we can't control, but we can control our own behavior (and attitude). What does your body language say about you? Your tone of voice? The expression on your face? The manner in which you greet and talk with others? Think about that depressing, negative "Eeyore" type of person you may know (and try to avoid) -- the one who is always complaining and never has anything positive to say. Is this how you want to come across? Like attracts like; the energy you send out is what will come back!
Make it a point to do ONE thing different for the new year ... reach out to someone for a coffee meeting, attend a free seminar or audit a class. Incorporate a walk into your day. Turn off the tv. Step away from the computer. Smile at people you don't know. Stop striving for perfectionism and accept your best effort.
Someone once told me sometimes you have to slow down to let a door open for you. Perhaps you have been going warp speed for too long and this is your time to walk through that door.
No matter the circumstances, here is time to look at the New Year as an opportunity to do something different, be it a small step or a large leap. Why not just try it?
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Remember...
Here's to a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous
New Year
Welcome, 2010!
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