I admit that I’m not typically one for making or sticking to a New Year’s resolution. On occasion I have attempted and even succeeded, but I now prefer to shun the tradition in favor of a natural unfolding of desired change.

It seems easier sometimes to focus more on what’s happening on the outside rather than deeply contemplating what’s going on inside ourselves, within our thinking and how that’s reflected in life’s story. Sooner or later we learn that our every choice, decision and moment counts in some little or large way.

I have found that I take better care of myself when I make room for things to fall into place. As humans with the power of free will, we can allow limiting constructs to take over, which alternately cause us to spin our wheels or paralyze us into inaction, or we can choose to boldly take control and move forward in positive, conscious action.

This coming year, I like the idea of resolving to improve my life from the inside out. It likely will mean living a little further outside of my comfort zone. It may involve trying a new food or activity each month. It could be time to try out that hobby that keeps coming to mind because it’s bound to nurture my soul and introduce me to kindred spirits. Why not hit the whole alphabet, identifying something different to be or do starting with a, b and c through x, y and z?

I recently read about a woman who introduced monthly knitting classes at a men’s prison in Baltimore. At first everyone thought she was crazy; now she has a waiting list of inmates trying to get into her weekly classes. Talk about moving out of one’s comfort zone… kudos to her and to the brave men breaking past stereotypes while simultaneously learning the benefits of patience and focus. 

Change can certainly be scary, but the rewards are joyful. Chances are that the scariness will fade away, leaving only good feelings. All we have to do is try, even if it’s as simple as smiling at a person we pass on the street; that moment could change their day and ours, too.

We’ve got oodles of new adventures to explore within these pages guaranteed to expand our horizons, from calendar events to helpful news and informative articles. Ask our advertisers how they can help you improve your quality of life starting today. It’s all geared to spark fresh ideas you might like to try in order to make your life flourish.

Wishing you all a healthy, happy and prosperous new year,

 

 

Maisie Raftery, Publisher