Here's my suggestion for a low-pressure, high-return resolution for the new year:
Instead of jumping right into attempts to change some behavior or another, commit to practicing simply observing your thoughts and behaviors. This is the first step toward living consciously and mindfully. Any time you have the urge to do or say something, instead take some time - even just a minute if that's all you can muster at first - to reflect on what you're thinking, what circumstances preceded the thought, whether you've felt that way before in similar situations, how that turned out last time, whether you want to handle it the same way or differently, and what factors (like familial or cultural conditioning, for example) might be shaping your reaction and interpretation of the situation.
Inserting any amount of space between your thoughts and actions instantly diffuses impulsivity and mindless reactivity. You can always choose to do or say what you initially felt compelled to, but you will do so with more purpose and clarity. And making a practice of self-observation moves you continually toward greater self-knowledge, which makes you a more empowered, more effective advocate for yourself and others. Know why you think what you think and why you do what you do. Simply observing yourself will help you live with awareness. Meaningful change often takes hard work and persistence, but sometimes just increasing consciousness makes such a difference that we are propelled naturally toward positive change.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
