We have rung in another new year. I am an optimist and I believe in making resolutions for a better, fuller, holier, and healthier life in 2014. But I struggle with the truth that I have made many resolutions in the past and by the end of the month many of these resolutions have dissolved. I excuse myself. January is not the greatest time to start anew—it is cold, dark, and long, at least for us who live north.
So I struggle as I reflect on my life and on the positive changes I want to make. I remind myself that I live not by unrealistic optimism but by faith imbued with the hope—all things are possible by God’s grace. I also assent to what the experts tell us about making positive changes: make it doable, start small, celebrate small wins, and gradually make changes that become lifetime habits. So the dilemma: what do I resolve to do in 2014?
A couple of weeks ago a colleague shared with me a mantra that has been a help to her: “Let it go, start again.” This phrase has captured my imagination. Already, I have repeated this phrase to myself and others. So this is what I resolve to do in 2014: whatever new and good habits I try to embrace throughout this coming year, I will repeat this mantra when I fail at them: “Let it go, start again,” and lean on God’s mercy as well as my own.
If you need something concrete to do in 2014 review the suggestion below. I am going to try it but it is not a resolution! If I fail to drop in a piece of paper after a few weeks or months, that will be okay with me—I will let it go and start again.
Create a blessing jar for 2014.
Sr. Terry is the Executive Director of RENEW International and a Dominican Sister from Blauvelt, NY.