As this year is drawing to a close, it is time to reflect, evaluate and set the new goals for the coming year. I never did see the need in writing the plans and the goals for the new year, simply because to me the transition from one number at the end of the date to another did not mean a change in life. All this ‘new year new me’ makes me sneer, — I don’t believe into the theory that your desires will magically come true simply because you make a wish in the right way, or that the New Year’s night is in some way ‘special’ to make everything come true. I do, however, deeply believe in gratitude.
It is a scientific fact, that being grateful helps us not only to increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine, thereby intensifying the feelings of happiness, but also reduces depression (which I totally need!)
To evaluate the year, I attempted to come uo with a hundred reasons to be grateful for 2017. The first ten were pretty effortless. The next twenty five made me think hard. The next 65 were arduous. I made it, though, and ended up with a long list of things which I am truly grateful for this year. While I knew that 2017, in the end, was an exceptionally great year, and it will not be an exaggeration to say it was the best year in my life (so far), I didn’t notice there were so many things to be grateful for. And that is considering I did not even include Ed Sheeran’s album ‘Divide’ into the list.
But there was also another thing I realised, while strenuously trying to think of more points. There were quite a few elements, which I was grateful for not because they were outstanding per se, but because it was something I wanted to do for a loooong time. And for some, I literally do mean years. Now, I did not realise there were so many things hanging in my ‘Things I want to Do’ list and that so many of them have actually been accomplished this year.
This is why I think it is important to consider, what am I expecting of my life in the next 365 days. What kind of things I wanted to do for a long time, and may be able to accomplish in the new year? What are the recent interests and desires, and can they be fulfilled in 2018?
Can I learn (finally!) to plan my time, make the most out of it, and get steps closer to my dream? Not if I don’t visualise my goals and wishes. Let’s step into the new year with clear ideas, confidence, and a smile.
Nik-a 