If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when? – Hillel from Ethics of the Fathers, 1:14

I love the start of a New Year. There’s so much promise. So much more leaning into potential, self-responsibility, and commitment. Of course, it’s like any other day … just time rolling along with or without us. But we harness this time with great good-intentions and I’m all for it … why not? Yes, we can do it in every moment, in every day and in every way. But there is something about the global collective energy of this powerful time that plugs me in and gets me inspired. 

20/20 Vision

I love that we are entering the decade 2020 – I am asking for clarity and 20/20 vision in all I choose this year. It’s not about seeing perfection. It’s just about seeing it all. Accepting my reality and moving from that place into the emergence of my new reality. Seeing what’s working, what’s not working, what worked in the past and is no longer working and being courageous to try out new ideas and creative strategies to enrich my inner and outer world. It’s about tailoring my resolutions to fit into the world that enhances my path while simultaneously watering the flowers either side of my path. 

There is one flavour that I infuse with all my ambitious promises and commitments. That’s to stay sharply focused on the bigger picture while I’m still taking care of the little details. For me, the key to self-awareness and self-acceptance is keeping a varied and open perspective. Looking at myself and my desires from different and kind angles. I really enquire as to who is making these resolutions and why? I tune into them and wait for a solid ‘YES … this is going to work on so many levels.’  

One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things. – John Burroughs

It’s been a long time since I’ve used this time of year to pressure myself, or beat myself up, or make unrealistic demands on myself. I have changed my whole focus from just my own self-improvement and changed it to ‘our self-improvement.’ It’s more about ‘us’ and less about ‘me.’ But the rewards for ‘us’ are naturally showered on ‘me.’ It’s a universal win. 

I decided to take a new approach to my New Year’s Resolutions. Image: Freestocks.org

So, I’ve changed all my resolutions to Give-olutions. How can I be of service to the greater whole? It is refreshingly effective … just the act of giving and considering others opens my whole way of seeing and being in the world. Effortlessly, I can stay engaged with the bigger picture. And to be honest, even if some goals aren’t achieved, my intentions and prayers for the greater good have already had a solid impact on the frequency of LOVE. It takes the pressure off.

Instead of trying to change your entire life in January, the simpler strategy is to adopt a twelve-month plan where you’re making constant improvements. – S. J. Scott

Something’s Gotta Give … Give-olutions!

Here are my Give-olution themes for the year ahead …. I’ll focus on one per month and move the order around to stay in a harmonious flow. Like this past year, I will just pin the month’s Give-olution on the fridge (it’s the doorway I open the most) and let them work their magic. It’s about keeping the awareness and intentions alive. Keeping my heart open is an antidote to my shadow aspects like self-doubt, lack of self-worth, feeling down or getting off-purpose. I’ve realised that if I’m focussed on the act of giving, both internally and externally, I can never be too far off track.

One – Nourishment

I will Nourish myself first. Then once my cup is full, pass the nourishment on to others.

Two – Kindness

I will be kind to both myself and everyone else. In the end, only kindness matters.

Three – Challenge

I will get out of my comfort zone. Challenge myself to go beyond my current beliefs and ideas.

Four – Participate / Volunteer

I will plug into my community and attend or volunteer at local events.

Five – New Skill (language, music, sign language, cooking)

I will give myself, and then my community, an upgraded version of me.

Six – Meditation / Contemplation / Introspection

I will recognise the best gift I can give to others is my fully present self.

Seven – My Body is My Temple

I will exercise my body, mind, and heart. I will illuminate my soul and keep myself in shape to better help shape the world around me.

I will make time to wash my senses daily with all that nature freely offers. Image: Emre Kuzu

Eight – Nature is My Temple’s Garden

I will engage and wonder at nature by spending time in its healing arms. I will make time to wash my senses daily with all that nature freely offers.

Nine – Aloneness

I will make dates with myself. I will turn off all means of contacting the outside world. I will go off-line. Go inside. Marvel at unique and wonderful me. Then  share my self-appreciation with the world.

Ten – Dreams and Purpose

I will dream myself into purpose. I will spend time in the land of the unknown, in the realm of all possibilities and emergence. I will act on my dreams and allow them to infuse my creativity.

Eleven – Downsize

I will evaluate what it is that I genuinely and truly need. I will give away to charity shops, people in need, all the things I’m saving for a rainy day. It’s always a rainy day somewhere for someone … I will seek them out. I will trust that on my rainy days I too will be taken care of.

Twelve – Gratitude

Gratitude is like a lightbulb – It needs energy to shine bright. I will give gratitude to my love and time and energy so I have more resources to shine forth throughout my year ahead.

As you can see these aren’t your typical New Year’s Resolutions … they are themed awareness anchors. Anchors to the heart and caring-collective. In these times it’s true … something’s gotta give …  So, let it be me, you and us. Let us give, give and give. I have unwavering faith and direct evidence that just this energetic shift in perception and action can alter the whole world. 

I wish you a year of 20/20 vision, infused with acceptance, gratitude and courage for change. 

Be the change you want to see in the world. – Gandhi.

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We’d love to hear your positive thoughts and insights around New Year and how you want to be the change in the world. What are you doing, or would like to do, to participate in the new emerging paradigm? 

Happy New Year Beloveds.

Shine Shine Shine. 

All our love,

Team UPLIFT