Say hello to the new year with gratitude
As my birthday falls at the fag end of December, I try to club my new year resolutions with it. I feel relieved that instead of making two sets of resolutions I have to make one. Resolutions are an inherent part of my being, and I make sure I jot down mine on a piece of paper.
When I look at my resolutions over the past years, I realise I was way too strict with myself. At times I set impossible deadlines and had unreal expectations based on lofty ideals. But after a few days of trying, I would crash, and then start the wait for another year, and another set of stringent dos and don’ts. Over the years, I have relaxed the self-imposed regulations and warmed up to the idea of making a list, which is both achievable and doable. I worked out a method to concentrate on things that I love doing. And I have learnt to bend a little every time, for as they say, ‘those who don’t bend often break.’
When I look back, I find that after the end of every year I used to crib about life not being fair to me and people not being loving enough or not fulfilling their responsibilities towards me. For some reason, it used to be all about ‘me’ and nothing else. But this year, I have decided to look the other way. I think life has given me enough opportunities to make the most of it. And I was lucky enough to grab them, so I am signing off this year with lots of gratitude for the bounties I have received. In the cold wintry days, when I am driving on the city roads I often come across people in makeshift homes warming themselves with sundry fires. Back home when I am ensconced in my warm quilt in my comfy room, I feel blessed for the little comforts of life. Indeed there is so much in life to be grateful for. I have finally realised what we take for granted are the hopes and dreams of millions. So along with new goals and resolutions, I have decided to take this feeling of gratitude with me to the next year.
I set rules and regulations not just for myself but for those around me as well. Now I realise that if I can give myself a little leeway, others around me also deserve the benefit of doubt. So I have decided to add this to my list as well. I have decided to be non-judgmental and avoid criticising the actions of others all the time. It’s easier said than done, especially when we are playing the blame game, but I will make an honest try and add it to my kitty of resolutions.
The year-ends shouldn’t be reserved for any kind of recriminations. Count your blessings and give a gentle nudge to yourself to become a better person. So go ahead, take the plunge, and set some realistic goals this new year.
WHEN I LOOK AT MY RESOLUTIONS OVER THE PAST YEARS, I REALISE I WAS WAY TOO STRICT WITH MYSELF. AT TIMES I SET IMPOSSIBLE DEADLINES AND HAD UNREAL EXPECTATIONS.