Ancient Romans named the month of January for Janus, their god of gates, doors and beginnings. Always pictured with two faces—one looking toward the future, the other back at the past—Janus is a fitting symbol for the turning of a new year.
We are only days away from 2012, it is no longer looming out in the very distant future; it is here now! Wherever you are focusing your attention will make a big difference in your life; the question is: will it be create more of the results that you want or more of what you do not? Remember to keep choosing what you want more of!
As we step through the doorway from one year to the next, it’s natural to do as Janus does: look back and ahead. But this year, instead of just reflecting on the past year or making New Year’s resolutions, consider using this first part of the year to take stock of your life, isn’t that what you really crave, a better life? Yes… it is appropriate to stay in the present and live one day at a time; and yet, I know you do not really only want one great day, you want a great life.
Who are you? What do you believe? What do you really need?
When we discover who we really are, we stop living on autopilot and start to live with intention, focus and purpose. Our choices become clearer. We begin to make active choices in our life, instead of making excuses or passively living with the status quo.
Here are a few questions to get you started. Have a journal or some way to record your thoughts. (Writing by hand keeps you in touch with your breath and your heart.)
- What inside of you is aching to be expressed?
- What needs healing?
- What unique gifts, talents and skills do you bring to the world? How are you using them (or not)?
- Who do you need to forgive? How about yourself?
- What beliefs are holding you back or getting in your way?
- What can you let go of in your life?
- What makes you happy?
Don’t forget to consider the vital information that other “parts” of yourself are giving you. When you use only your head, your experience of yourself and the world is more limited.
What is your body telling you? When someone yells at you, does your stomach tie up in knots? Do your shoulders stiffen when you’ve been too focused on fulfilling others’ needs and ignoring your own? Notice the messages your body is giving you. For a time, you may be able to deny that you are impacted, but remember that the body never lies!
Check in with your heart. The heart is the home of what is most alive in us. What does your heart have to say about your job? Or, about how you spend your days? Does it need more play time? What, according to your heart, truly matters?
Listen to your intuition, your “gut.” Your intuition speaks volumes, but often gets ignored. What is this voice saying now?
Don’t forget to notice what you already have that is working. Acknowledge and give thanks for the gifts and the beauty and the miracles that are in your life right now. Write them down.
Tell the truth. Now is the time to start being honest about your true identity. Encouraging those unlived parts of ourselves to emerge can provide an exhilarating sense of discovery and optimism for the New Year and beyond.
At this time of year, although many have the tendency to take on too much and overwhelm or terrorize themselves, it is not helpful or even necessary. Love yourself into the changes and expansion you desire – ahhhh! Now, doesn’t that feel better?
We welcome your thoughts, insights and experiences, to share send an email to info@raisemyvibes.com or on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php – !/raisemyvibes.
Happy Holidays!
Blessings and Love,
Follow Us!