When I was younger, I used to believe that making New Year’s resolutions would automatically bring about change. It was as if just thinking about wanting to change was enough to make it happen. I thought this way because of the “magic” I associated with moving from one year to the next.
Over time, I’ve learned that inner change happens slowly. Now, I see New Year’s resolutions differently, and sometimes I don’t make them at all. When I do, they serve as a chance to consider the direction in which I want to guide my gradual change. They’re more like “aspirations” rather than strict resolutions.
One practical and symbolic change is happening, which might seem trivial but is significant for me: my bookkeeper will be closing our old QuickBooks Online account and opening a new one. The old account has been with me for years, but it’s been fixed and altered so many times—often by people unsure of what they were doing—that it’s become quite messy.
For example, Wildmind used to have an online store selling meditation supplies to help cover the costs of teaching meditation. We stopped two years ago, and last year I donated several thousand dollars worth of inventory to my local Dharma center for their small shop. Although it was a relief to get rid of that inventory, our accounts still have all these categories, products, and vendor records, making everything a mess. So, we’re starting fresh with clean, up-to-date books that reflect what Wildmind currently does. It feels good and almost magical.
Personally, I aspire to find more balance in my life, especially between self-care and self-nourishment on one hand, and being creative, productive, and helpful on the other.
As I enter 2022 with these thoughts in mind, I am aware that change doesn’t happen just because you wish for it. I need to keep these aspirations in mind, stay mindful of opportunities to bring more balance into my life, and be aware when things start to get out of balance. This requires effort on my part. But focusing on these aspirations can make 2022 a joyful and creative year, benefiting both my life and the lives of others.
Happy New Year!