New Year Resolutions
Every January many of us make our resolutions. Some of us write our faults or shortcomings or hopes or dreams on slips of paper and then burn them on New Year’s Eve/Day. Some proudly pronounce how we are going to lose weight, give up drinking, go to a gym, start managing our money better, update our resume and find another job, etc. Some of our resolutions in the open. Many are kept secret.
However, we do it … we do it.
But by this time (later in January) most of us have already begun failing in keeping our resolutions.
I was taught by old timers in AA that when things start going haywire during the day [or week or month], I always have the option to simply begin over. Many times, I have done that. It works.
However, we do it … we do it.
But by this time (later in January) most of us have already begun failing in keeping our resolutions.
I was taught by old timers in AA that when things start going haywire during the day [or week or month], I always have the option to simply begin over. Many times, I have done that. It works.
I just stop, center my thoughts and direct them to my spirit guide (or Holy Spirit, if you prefer). I ask to start again with Spirit’s help and assistance: I want help to provide a good service to my employer or to my classwork, or to … [whatever is appropriate]; I want to be attentive and provide active listening; I want help to let folks see the divine in me and see the divine in them; I want Spirit to help me be of use to offer love and acceptance and healing to all I meet.
Then I inhale a big, slow breath (I always imagine it’s pink) and exhale slowly (always a dirty charcoal gray). I relax, smile and let that prayer meet Spirit.
Then I inhale a big, slow breath (I always imagine it’s pink) and exhale slowly (always a dirty charcoal gray). I relax, smile and let that prayer meet Spirit.
Please note - if I’m around someone I don’t like or who is verbally abusive to me or is just being a jerk, or is on a pity-pot, I am not asking Spirit to “fix” the person or situation. I am asking Spirit to help keep me in a peaceful, supportive, accepting, centered state of being, regardless of the person or situation. I am not asking Spirit to “fix” the traffic jam. I am asking Spirit to help me remain at peace as I sit with my car idling.
A Course in Miracles has taught me that whenever I am upset, I am never upset for the reason I think. It’s never on the outside. always an inside job.
So….If you begin to lose focus on your resolutions, be gentle with yourself. You can always start again.
Blessings, Don
*[How the Bible Became the Bible](https://howthebiblebecamethebible.com/Buy-Book/) - Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.
A Course in Miracles has taught me that whenever I am upset, I am never upset for the reason I think. It’s never on the outside. always an inside job.
So….If you begin to lose focus on your resolutions, be gentle with yourself. You can always start again.
Blessings, Don
*[How the Bible Became the Bible](https://howthebiblebecamethebible.com/Buy-Book/) - Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.
I just stop, center my thoughts and direct them to my spirit guide (or Holy Spirit, if you prefer). I ask to start again with Spirit’s help and assistance: I want help to provide a good service to my employer or to my classwork, or to … [whatever is appropriate]; I want to be attentive and provide active listening; I want help to let folks see the divine in me and see the divine in them; I want Spirit to help me be of use to offer love and acceptance and healing to all I meet.
Then I inhale a big, slow breath (I always imagine it’s pink) and exhale slowly (always a dirty charcoal gray). I relax, smile and let that prayer meet Spirit.
Please note - if I’m around someone I don’t like or who is verbally abusive to me or is just being a jerk, or is on a pity-pot, I am not asking Spirit to “fix” the person or situation. I am asking Spirit to help keep me in a peaceful, supportive, accepting, centered state of being, regardless of the person or situation. I am not asking Spirit to “fix” the traffic jam. I am asking Spirit to help me remain at peace as I sit with my car idling.
A Course in Miracles has taught me that whenever I am upset, I am never upset for the reason I think. It’s never on the outside. always an inside job.
So….If you begin to lose focus on your resolutions, be gentle with yourself. You can always start again.
Blessings, Don
How the Bible Became the Bible: Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.
Please note - if I’m around someone I don’t like or who is verbally abusive to me or is just being a jerk, or is on a pity-pot, I am not asking Spirit to “fix” the person or situation. I am asking Spirit to help keep me in a peaceful, supportive, accepting, centered state of being, regardless of the person or situation. I am not asking Spirit to “fix” the traffic jam. I am asking Spirit to help me remain at peace as I sit with my car idling.
A Course in Miracles has taught me that whenever I am upset, I am never upset for the reason I think. It’s never on the outside. always an inside job.
So….If you begin to lose focus on your resolutions, be gentle with yourself. You can always start again.
Blessings, Don
How the Bible Became the Bible: Exploring how the Bible came to be and why a literal interpretation of it may be dangerous. This exploration may open a door to your continued spiritual growth.