Last month, I had plans to start a gratitude journal, but I stalled to the beginning of December.
I was like, “I will start on the 1st of December, you know, new month, new beginnings . . .”
But again, I stalled further to the 1st of January, 2022, hoping that the new year will motivate me, you know, a new year; new beginnings, new resolution, new energy, et al . . .
As though the new year will come with some special spirit that will automatically set me on the straight and narrow . . . lol!
I remember an Instagram post I shared in August, about how we sometimes like to console ourselves with lines like, “don’t worry, time will tell”, “it’s only a matter of time . . .”, “time is a leveler . . .”, abbl.
Truth is, time in itself doesn’t change anything.
It is what we do in the process of time that makes the difference.
The significance of any day is not in the day itself.
Rather, it is our actions that define the significance of time.
No matter how optimistic we are about time, it is our use of the time that creates memorable magic.
The 1st of January is just like any other day of the year.
Contrary to popular sentiments, it doesn’t come with a special sauce or anointing.
It is simply another day in time!
However, it is how we use it that determines what we make of it.
Transitioning into the new year doesn’t automatically transform us.
We do not automatically have new lives because we are in a new year.
However, and thankfully, the new year presents us with new opportunities to make a fresh start.
It helps us to pause and evaluate our progress and it provides us with new perspectives to push further in the direction of our goals.
The new year presents us with new opportunities to learn from our missteps, and do better on our journey to becoming.
As we transition into the new year, it is important that we plan for the year and start to work towards our desired outcomes.
Therefore, I hope that beyond the genuine excitement that beautifies this season, we find time to look ahead and map out strategic plans that will make the new year truly memorable for us.
Don’t wait till the 31st or 1st. Start now!
Because time will tell, only if you use it well.
And while you are at it, stay joyful, give generously, and express gratitude freely.
I am learning that remembering positive things, and practicing gratitude for them, increases our well-being.
For instance, people who keep gratitude journals, are 25 percent happier on average, than those who do not.
I recently learned that people who practice gratitude also;
- Achieve up to a 10 percent decrease in systolic blood pressure
- Sleep a half-hour more every night
- Decrease dietary intake by up to 20 percent
- Exercise 33 percent more each week
- May live up to 7 years than those who do not experience frequent positive emotions.
So, like I love to say, gratitude and thanksgiving do as much good to the giver as it does to the receiver.
Stay Grateful!
Happy Holidays!!!
