There’s nothing magical about a new year. It doesn’t clear the slate or change your life – that’s up to you, and it’s within your power. You can make meaningful changes any time of the year, of course, but traditions add motivation and structure. January might be your time for an annual self-exam, a chance to review the past year, refresh your goals and revisit old dreams. It can also help to set season-by-season goals as the year passes: plant a garden; learn to kayak, hike every weekend; practice generosity and gratitude every day.
Whether you follow a resolution-setting tradition or not, it’s good to take stock of life periodically. Remember to be gentle with yourself, acknowledge your successes, forgive yourself and others, and to enjoy your blessings.
For inspiration, we asked some well-known professionals at Canyon Ranch what their plans were for a rewarding year:
Jim Eastburn, Director, Life Enhancement Center
My resolution for 2009 is to live each day with more hope and less fear.
Peggy Holt, Life Management therapist
Live simply, love and appreciate those around me. Drink more water, take dance lessons, and run and ride like H-E-double-hockeysticks!
Mike Siemens, Director, Exercise Physiology
To be in touch with members of my family more frequently, since we live in different cities. In the New Year I am going to call each of them at least every two weeks and get together with them at least four times in the next year.
Lisa Powell, Director, Nutrition
To live fully, appreciating each new day I’m given as the gift that it is; to spend more time with the people I love, especially my two new grandbabies. On a practical note, I want to begin strength training in 2009 and, as always, eat more vegetables!
May you enjoy beautiful health and endless wonders in the New Year!