Happy Wednesday Reader and Happy New Year!

I hope you are well and easing back into a routine after the holiday season.

In light of the New Year, today's issue reads a little different than what you are used to but shares a message I hope will resonate. As always, I welcome your comments and inquiries. Hit reply and share your thoughts!

I’ve never been a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I find the process creates unnecessary pressure and if I falter, I am disappointed in myself. Instead, I try my best to approach each day with intention and purpose and make choices that positively impact me and those around me — my family, friends, students, and others. That’s not to say I don’t stray or make mistakes — I do! — but I try not to let bad decisions derail my intention and purpose. I try to learn from them and continue moving forward in a positive direction as best I can.

Of course, I have goals and things I want to accomplish each year, but I don’t think of them as resolutions. Instead, they are fulfilling activities that I want to do or complete. My goals are known to me and me only — I rarely share them.

I recognize that my approach is loose and not very disciplined. Honestly, because of that, there are times I don’t achieve what I had hoped in a given year. However, I recently came across an article by Suleika Jaouad and she too isn’t one for resolutions. Instead of ruminating about what she could and should have done in the past year, she cracks open a brand new journal and creates lists. As I read more, I found her approach relatable and one that could work for me — and maybe you too.

1. She makes a list of everything, both big and small, that she is proud of from the past year.
2. She writes a list of what she yearns for. What does she want and desire?
3. She creates a list of all her anxieties from the most mundane to the apocalyptic.
4. She writes down the resources, skills, and practices that worked for her in the year prior that she can rely upon in the new year.
5. She takes five or ten minutes and freely writes down every wild, unrealistic, ridiculous, absurd idea and dream.

I love this approach because it allows us to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, be thoughtful about what we want in our life, understand what might hold us back, identify and appreciate the tools we have at our fingertips, and encourages us to dream big. Whether you made a resolution or two or avoided making them at all costs, I invite you to take inspiration from Ms. Jaouad and join me in making a few lists and seeing what unfolds.

To close out, I leave you with one of my favorite entries from Journey to the Heart, Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul, by Melody Beattie. Her words are a meaningful and helpful reminder of how to move into the New Year with grace and openness.

I wish you and your family peace and health in the New Year!

Warm regards,

​

P.S. Do you know someone who would enjoy wednesday Wisdom? Copy and paste your unique link and email it to your friends, family, and coworkers: [RH_REFLINK GOES HERE]​

P.P.S. I invite you to subscribe to a few of my favorite newsletters!

The Kindred Letters: Join 525K Subscribers by #1 NY Times bestselling author Susan Cain For introverts, and all kindred spirits who prefer quiet to loud, depth to superficiality, and sensitivity to cool. Subscribe​

James Clear 3-2-1 Newsletter Author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Atomic Habits. I write about building better habits. Over 2 million people read my free email newsletter. Click subscribe to join. Subscribe​

Hi! I'm a blogger and a spiritual life coach! by Laurie Jonas Sign up for my newsletter to receive weekly inspiration and motivation to find beauty, fulfillment, and joy in your life. I love all things spiritual and helping others see their power to create the life they love. You can find me at livingmarvelously.com. Subscribe​