A few years back, probably in the midst of my health scare, I stopped setting New Years resolutions. Recently, there has been a lot of talk about that “tradition” kind of slipping away. And in listening to various wellness experts, psychologists quoting studies and what others are saying, and thinking about my own experience, I realize that I set new resolutions everyday. 

After committing to and practicing a breathwork/meditation daily (and yes, I miss a day or two…here and there….and there…) for a couple of years now, and in looking back over this past year, I have accomplished SO much, JUST by becoming more focused and attuned to my innervoice and staying committed. I committed to writing a monthly piece for this blog for a year….and I hit a year in October. I committed to becoming a breathwork instructor and am a certified ADVANCED instructor and currently studying for my transformational coaching and master instructor certification. I’ve sold a few of my paintings, produced a couple of my own breathwork meditations using music producing software that I am also still learning to master. I completed the Soma Breath 90 Day YouTube Challenge last year in exactly 90 days, and I literally manifested sales quotas several times this past year with my last client of the pay period each time. There’s more….and if that sounds like a pat on my own back, guess what….it is. Because 5 years ago….or even 2…..I didn’t get it done. And I tend to be hard on myself when I’m not being as productive as I think I should be. That is something else I am working on….grace and gratitude toward myself.

In hindsight, and after years of soul searching and healing, I realize that the expectations set on one, whether it be by parents, siblings, coworkers, teammates, bosses….whomever, can lead to crippling stress and anxiety. Setting additional expectations on yourself in the form of new years resolutions, which tend to be the bigger goals that we often struggle with, add a whole other layer of self induced stress….and NOT the positive kind, which I AM all about.

During the last 7 years of my healing journey, I have learned to stay very present….and trust me, I still get lost….often. It is a lifelong, healing journey learning to ride out the waves, ducking the curve balls and fostering balance.  The addition of my breathwork/meditation practice a little over two years ago, has been life changing, to say the very least. While the pieces of my physical health, through mindful nutrition and proper exercise and other physical activities were pretty much in place, the mind~body connection was definitely missing. And I have found that having this regular practice has enhanced my health, my mindset, my motivation and drive, and my self discipline….but dually noting, there is still room for improvement ~ always!

So, no, no more New Years resolutions and much more daily grind. Setting daily intentions, resolutions, setting goals, failing, falling and getting back up and starting again tomorrow. Not waiting ’til next year.

And on a side-note – one of the meditations that I listened to regularly last year…and ended up falling in love with…..I have recreated to share with my audience. So here’s a little new years gift to my supportive followers! THANK YOU! Pop in some ear-buds, tune in and enjoy! And I’d love any feedback and please feel free to share this meditation with anyone you think would benefit! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now go make it a memorable one!! Love and Prosperity!

Namaste, Cindy