As 2013 draws to a close, with only hours to go, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the coming year. A new year is a time that many make resolutions to move their lives forward in a more positive direction. I don’t make resolutions, but I have for the past couple of years decided on having a theme, or a mission. 2013 was my year of Balance (2012’s theme was Consolidation). I wanted to create a more balanced life for myself. I find it very easy to become a workaholic, working day, night and weekend (it’s that Protestant work ethic I’ve had instilled in me since I was a kid).
After the collapse of my marriage (for which I am partly to blame, can you believe it!) I made a decision that I would behave differently with any future partner to make the chance of success of our relationship more likely. To do this, finding balance was important in all areas of my life, health, well-being, work and relationships. I needed to ensure that I took the time out from my business (of which this blog is one part), and focus on my new relationship. This has been a benefit both to myself and my relationship. I’ve consciously made the time and space to help it grow and develop into something great, plus take the time to enjoy life and not always focus on what is next to be done, consequently, my feelings of burn-out have disappeared.
I feel more loved in my life now than I ever have before, and this is partly because I now understand my love language, so I can ask for what I need, but also because I put much more time and energy into my relationship than I ever have before (and one of my philosophies in life is ‘what you put in, you get back‘). I choose to adore my new partner and see the good, rather than focus on what is not perfect, because nothing in life is perfect. I find when I focus on what is good, right and wonderful, I see and find more of the positive everywhere, and it allows me to achieve more and be more productive in all aspects of my life. This has led me to decide upon my theme for the upcoming year.
For 2014 my theme is Expansion. Expanding myself (not literally!), expanding my health, expanding my business, expanding my goals, expanding my horizons. Trying new foods, going to new places, stepping out of my comfort zone on many levels.
The best thing about having a theme, rather than specific resolutions, is that it’s not something that I can specifically fail (in the way that you can easily break a resolution), it just gives me a little direction to follow, it’s way more gentle and less judgmental than a regular resolution. When I’m scared of trying something new or different, I can remind myself that getting out of that comfort zone can be a good thing and each time I do so I’m expanding myself just a little.
Do you make new years resolutions? Do you avoid it completely? Do you have a theme? If so, what is your theme for the coming year?
With love,
Imogen
P.S. If you like this version of making a New Year’s Resolution feel free to steal with pride!
What a fantastic post! I love the idea of a yearly theme. I’ll have to give this some thought. Enjoy the new year with your adorable fella.
Thanks Carter – Enjoy 2014 – love to know if you come up with your own theme!
I’m very happy for you and I love the idea of a theme for the year. Happy Expanded 2014!
Happy new year to you too Laura! Thanks for reading and commenting and I hope this year is a fabulous one for you.
This is a wonderful post, Imogen!! I love it, and I’ve never heard about having a theme for the year before. I think I’m going to use this idea–guess I’ve got the day to decide on what my theme is…(it’s only 9am here in California.) Happy New Year, and cheers to expansion!! xo, Amy:)
Thanks Amy, I hope you have a wonderful 2014 – love to know what your theme is when you decide!
I think I’ve got it– Vitality! Meaning “the state of being strong and active; energy.” This theme can guide me to lots of positive things across the board, from my physical being, to my social life, to work. I like it! And my mom has decided that her theme for the year is “Let it go.” 🙂
Amy I love them both! Great ideas – I may steal them some other year!
Happy New Year, Imogen. You are very talented, I hope life brings you rewards.
Thanks so much Lisa! Happy 2014 to you! I hope you have a wonderful year!
Hi Imogen
A theme or direction is really worthwhile. I have been doing this over the last couple of years and it does contribute positively to my life and the directions I choose to take. You can always direct the question “How is this action / choice / direction going to contribute to the direction I want to take.
My word for 2014 is POSSIBLE. It came about after reading the following statement – nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible. Thought it was just what I needed considering the new direction my life is going to take this year.
Happy New Year Imogen! So glad you are happy in your new relationship.
I decided on 2 words for 2014: Enough and Simplify. I want to apply both to all areas of my life this year.
Expansion is a lovely theme/word. I like the idea of having it take you new places and expanding on where you already are.
My word for 2014 is build. I feel like it is similar. I want to build on where I am and work to improve that.
Happy new year!
Love that Brooke – Build is a fabulous word – I hope you build a great 2014 for yourself!
Happy New Year’s Imogen!
I love the idea of a yearly direction. After much thought, I picked the theme of Enhancement. I would like to make choices throughout the year that enhance and add to all parts of my life. I think of this as positivity, less worry, pro health choices and looking my best.
Thanks for your wonderful website and I look forward to many inspiring and informational posts!
Hi Imogen, This is the best NY’s post I’ve seen, personal and universal at the same time; thank you! I’m going to consider balance (for the same reasons you had) and energy, looking for a way to put them together. Maybe balancing my energy. Best wishes for an expansive 2014! Cheers, TinaPete.
Enjoy your Balance this year! THanks for your kind words too – have a great 2014