Last updated on January 22nd, 2019 at 02:56 pm
Each year we are given a chance to start over, to begin again and try new adventures. We are called to leave the past behind and challenge ourselves to be more than we ever were before.
Some of you will make this the year that you go after your big dreams, and here on 8WomenDream, we are certainly rooting for you if that is your goal.
Others of you might decide to become more mindful, begin a spiritual practice or meditate every day.
Some of you will get healthy, and others will make this the year that they save more money. Whatever your heart is calling out to you to try is what beginning a new year is all about.
Everyone starts with the best of intentions each year only to quit as soon as the first rough patch gets in the way.
Change can be difficult–but if you prepare yourself for any setbacks and diversions, you will be less likely to quit. Decide up front that if you stop that you will begin again within 3 days. Plan for a setback ahead of time, so this will be the year you succeed at what you set out to accomplish.
Use gratitude to guide you every step of the way. When an obstacle comes up, decide to be grateful for its arrival and see what happens. See if being grateful changes the outcome.
A gratitude practice teaches self-control when you find yourself in situations where you would generally give up.
Gratitude helps you reign in your thoughts and emotions to focus on what is relevant at that given moment. Gratitude brings you back to center, calms your breathing and relaxes your mind so that you can make better decisions.
I preach gratitude as part of empowering women because it is an easily accessible practice you can use to change your reactions to what is happening around you and bring your attention back to your breathing and help you remember what your ultimate goals are. Being grateful for a difficult moment enables you to acknowledge what is happening in the present moment and moving beyond it so you can continue on your dream path.
Being grateful helps you find the good that is in your life that you can build on–
If you have eyes, then you can read and further educate yourself.
If you have legs, they can carry you to places that can help your dream.
If you have ears, you can hear the wise advice of mentors.
If you have hands, they can be used to create something amazing. If you can breathe, you are alive enough to begin anew.
If you can eat, you can find nourishment. If you can sleep, you can rejuvenate your body.
And so it goes.
Gratitude is the wings that carry you and your dreams when your feet no longer can.
Be grateful that you are here to start another year. I know that I am grateful that you are here reading this at the start of another new, glorious year.
Just pursue it, dreamers. And be grateful.
Sue Faith Levy
More on gratitude–
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Sue Levy is the founder of the South African Just Pursue It Blog and Inspirational Women Initiative. She’s a motivational writer and media designer, who is obsessed with everything inspirational with a hint of geek. She thrives on teaching women how to be brave and take big chances on themselves. You can find Sue on her Twitter page @Sue_Levy.
Note: Articles by Sue may contain affiliate links and 8WD will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.
