I was asked by a local newspaper to write an article. It is the second time they asked me which is really cool. I asked for a topic and they gave me “changes, new beginnings, new year resolutions, …” I remembered a comment which I made on Sandra’s post and by the time I could finally start writing I was so inspired that the words just flew out of my fingers. I thought it was the perfect post to start my blogging year and translated it. I hope you like it:

The change of the year inspires us to reflect: Where am I now and where did I actually want to be? Am I at the point today where I considered myself to be last year at this time? It is the time during which new year’s resolutions are made which are supposed to be tackled on January 1st (or perhaps on the 2. or the week after all of those holidays – if at all!). But why does it have to be the change of the year? In the end, January 1st is only the day after December 31st! Our visions and dreams don’t know any appointments on which they are allowed to appear or be tackled. This is a limitation – or excuse – we set!

Often people are not happy with the circumstances in their lives or at least parts of them. They are lamenting and whining but still don’t change anything. They often say: If that person would behave differently towards me, my life would be easier” or “If the circumstances were different I could be happy.” The problem just is that sitting there and waiting for a change only has the effect that life-defining us instead of us defining our lives! We may not have much control over what happens around us but the decision we make about it and how we deal with it is always up to us!

Changes are mostly connected with more or less fear. Because it is a step into unknown territory. That is also the reason, why many remain rather in their unloved comfort zone instead of risking stepping over it. Many already give up before they even reached the edge of their comfort zone because they are expecting too much of themselves instead of thinking in little steps. Taking little steps toward the desired direction every day makes a big step after a while. But that way everything that comes along with the developing change is much better to handle. There are many little successful stations that are preparing naturally for the further path and the end result! The successful people in this world did not succeed because they were just lucky but because they believed in themselves and made step-by-step determined focused on their goals.

But something else happens with walking in a different direction. The decision to do it already occurs from a different attitude within. This different attitude makes us see many things in a different light. This again changes the way we deal with the world around us and with ourselves. That all brings new experiences and insights which motivate and widen the horizon. Even if you don’t know the path ahead starts in a corner – any corner! Step by step you are automatically led. It is only about that first step and staying in motion. Because the HONEST decision to do that first step already causes the necessary openness and attentiveness to more possibilities. It is about this first step and everything else will follow naturally!

Getting back to the change of the year. On 356/366 days throughout the year, we think, speak, act, and decide. All of it provokes something. We are planting our seeds consciously or unconsciously. Many start sprouting instantly and others later. When I am looking at the change of the year reflecting means to me that I make myself aware of the seeds I have spread consciously during the past 12 months. But I also try to understand which seeds I planted unconsciously to tell from the fruits I harvested. At the same time, I am in anticipation about which ones of my consciously planted seeds may sprout, blossom, or even grow into trees. I even go a bit further and I am already curious about what new seeds may result from next year’s plants.

Changes are not only possible but also important. They support our development on one hand but also show that we can direct our lives in a direction we really want. All is possible – and that is on each day of the year!

In Love and Light