When I was younger, I believed that New Year’s resolutions would automatically bring about change. It felt like just wanting to change was enough to make it happen, as if there was some “magic” in transitioning from one year to the next. With time, I’ve realized that inner change happens much more slowly. Now, I see New Year’s resolutions as a chance to think about the direction I want to take, and I treat them more as aspirations than strict resolutions.
One practical yet symbolic change happening this year involves my bookkeeper closing our old QuickBooks Online account and opening a new one. The old account, which has been in use for years, feels like an old house we’ve been living in. It’s been repaired and modified so many times by various people that it’s now a tangled mess. For instance, Wildmind used to have an online store selling meditation supplies to cover teaching costs. We stopped that two years ago, and last year I donated a large inventory to my local Dharma center for their book shop. Despite clearing out the stock, our accounts are still cluttered with outdated categories and records. So, we’re starting fresh with new, streamlined books reflecting Wildmind’s current activities. It feels refreshing and almost magical.
Personally, my goal for this year is to achieve more balance in my life. I want to balance self-care and nourishment with being creative, productive, and helpful. As 2022 begins, I’m keeping these aspirations in mind. I know that change requires effort; I need to remember my goals, seize opportunities to balance my life, and stay aware of when things are off-kilter. This ongoing effort is necessary to focus on what truly brings balance. If I can maintain this, 2022 should be both joyful and creative, benefiting myself and others.
Happy New Year!