Although the final bars of Slade's Christmas tune are barely audible now as they now disappear into the distance, the message it sends is ringing loud and clear: 'Look to the future now, it's only just beguuuuuuuuuuuun'.
Yes, the Christmas sleigh bells are fading over the horizon, but the clanging chimes of the brand new year are getting ready to bong. But the real question is, are we?
It's the point in the year where we all make promises to ourselves and call them resolutions. But why do we do it? Are we so unhappy with ourselves that we are desperate to find a brand new us? Or rediscover a long-forgotten us? New Year resolutions has become more of a tradition than a true reflection of what we actually want.
The trouble is, most of us still don’t really know what we do want in life. I'm 42 years old and still not really sure I'm doing this whole life thing right. A lot of us go steaming into New Years and end up making resolutions about the 'wrong' things, the things that don't really change anything and so make us feel like our lives haven't gone anywhere in the course of another passing year.
There's nothing wrong in wanting to make positive changes of course, but rather than making them New Year resolutions, why not make them just stuff to try and achieve over the course of the year. Don't give yourself barriers to jump over, just so you can hate yourself if things don't work out.
My advice? Just try some of these, not as resolutions, but simply as 'reminders' of something to have a go at:
Do Something Unexpected
The catch here is to do something you are proud to tell your children about, (so you can stop that thought right away!). It might just be something as simple as trying that food with the names you can't pronounce. Or just trying to make amends with family or friends that you have had run-ins with. Let's not forget that one of the greatest pleasures in life is doing what people say you can't do!
The catch here is to do something you are proud to tell your children about, (so you can stop that thought right away!). It might just be something as simple as trying that food with the names you can't pronounce. Or just trying to make amends with family or friends that you have had run-ins with. Let's not forget that one of the greatest pleasures in life is doing what people say you can't do!
Be Human Again
It is quite normal these days to spend more time with your gadgets than with people. There are side effects from this but there are also plenty of ways to regain control. This item has to do with reconnecting with your emotions, your humanity. You could even try a total tech de-tox for a week!
It is quite normal these days to spend more time with your gadgets than with people. There are side effects from this but there are also plenty of ways to regain control. This item has to do with reconnecting with your emotions, your humanity. You could even try a total tech de-tox for a week!
Show Gratitude
There is kindness in the world, and it can come from the strangest of places, even though we are told not to expect it. The important thing is that when you are in the presence of an act of kindness, participate, extend it or if you are on the receiving end, appreciate it.
There is kindness in the world, and it can come from the strangest of places, even though we are told not to expect it. The important thing is that when you are in the presence of an act of kindness, participate, extend it or if you are on the receiving end, appreciate it.
Forgive
Life is too short to hold a grudge. Go into 2016 feeling positive about other people, as well as yourself.
Life is too short to hold a grudge. Go into 2016 feeling positive about other people, as well as yourself.
Find A Reason To Be Happy
Because that’s all we ever want really, isn’t it? We want a reason to be happy, yet instead of aiming for that, we choose to ignore it, because our happiness isn't important. We strive to keep everyone else happy and put our needs to the bottom of the pile. Well don't! You deserve a big slice of happy too – We all do!
Because that’s all we ever want really, isn’t it? We want a reason to be happy, yet instead of aiming for that, we choose to ignore it, because our happiness isn't important. We strive to keep everyone else happy and put our needs to the bottom of the pile. Well don't! You deserve a big slice of happy too – We all do!
So, if you do make a resolution today, make it to avoid the word 'resolution' altogether. Instead, use the word 'reminder' for the coming new year. Don’t fall into that same trap again. Make the coming new year a different one, a happy one, and one you can look back on and smile.
So rip up that wish list, burn those same old resolutions, and just strive to be the best you, you can be. You might well find that you're a pretty good you just as you are.
