beginnings

When starting something new, it's always a good idea to start at the beginning.  So, here I am starting yet another something new.  That makes this the beginning.

Beginning of what you may ask?  Beginning of now.

And again, it is the beginning of now. It's always the beginning of now....

We put so much pressure on ourselves in January to make resolutions as we strive to fix everything that is wrong with us.  Why does January get all the pressure to perform?  Why not....May?  May would be a nice month to talk about getting in shape.  It's warm and sunny outside and fruits and veggies are fresh.  January even sounds like mashed potatoes and warm baked bread.  Talk about pressure!  Or how about September?  It's back to school, back to routine and if you live in the south, the weather is starting to cool down so going outside for a walk sounds pleasant again.  

April is a good month to talk about getting our finances in order.  Many people get a tax return, so making a resolution to spend it wisely would be better upheld in April than in January.  

But here we are again in January, contemplating everything we would like to change and be in 2012.  May I make a suggestion?  Accept who and what you are right now and start thinking, dreaming and talking about the great things to come. When we set goals, we often set ourselves up to fail.  The goal is set and immediately there is a tightening in our chest and a slight panic that flashes across our minds....failure. What if I can't do it?  What if I fall short again this year?

Instead create a word picture for your perfect year.  Share with everyone what will happen this year.  "I am getting in shape and I haven't felt this good in years!" or maybe, "my marriage is getting stronger every day."  If money is your hurdle then try, "I am learning to live in abundance and this year has already brought me financial gains."

We speak negatively every day about our current state of reality. By stating the current circumstance, we only reinforce that reality.  Change your thoughts, change your future.  When we try to change our behavior before we change our thoughts, we wind up feeling undisciplined and discouraged.

Be joyful, not because of your circumstances, but in spite of them.  Be energetic.  Be kind.  Be positive. Be confident in who you are and how you are right now.  Because you are...right now.  Don't try to fix yourself to have a better future.  Have better thoughts about your future and you will fix yourself without even realizing it!

Well....that's probably enough for a beginning.  I feel the overwhelming desire to go back and rewrite all of this to make it better.  Nah.  This is who I am now.  Tomorrow, I'll be better.