James Andrew - photo by Gabriel Everett
Let’s face it, most well intentioned New Year’s resolutions are forged and then forgotten. For whatever reason, they just don’t seem to stick.
At the risk of sounding a bit preachy, I want to quickly share my thoughts on the subject.
A big part of the problem seems to lie in our concept of time, and particularly with our expectations of the future. In fact, looking to fulfill dreams somewhere down the road often prevents us from finding them in the only moment we’ll ever have—and that, of course, is “the present.” The past is gone by definition, and the future is always beyond experience. Once we know that, then the real question becomes can we muster the courage and focus to bring our dreamiest of dreams into this very moment. Most of the time the little voices are saying no—doubt and/or fear prevail. Don’t get me wrong, caution can be a lifesaver, but if we can’t turn the negative self-speak off, then we’ve got a real problem. It colors our whole present.
In an effort to break this limiting internal dialogue, I’ve found the following two tiered approach to be particularly effective. While you may already be familiar with these ideas, it might be well worth reacquainting yourself with them. For fun, let’s just call these the WIJW Commandments:
1) Be aware of the story you’re telling yourself, and if it isn’t helping, then tell yourself a better story—this new story doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, just the tiniest positive shift in the tragic narrative you may be imagining. You can build a better and more beautiful story as things progress. Focus on POSSIBILITY instead of impossibility, and why things CAN happen, instead of why they can’t.
2) Practice gratitude. Find that spot that feels good, even if it’s only the tip of your toe, acknowledge and feel its goodness. We need to make space for good things to happen right here and now, and unproductive feelings of want and lack only perpetuate themselves. Like attracts like.
Give these a try if you care to, and be sure to let us know your thoughts along the way! Whatever your situation may be, WIJW wishes you good luck on your own amazing adventure.
Here’s to a remarkable New Year, filled with awareness, light, and blessings!
Cheers,
JA
Taking some time to reflect and contemplate, I’m sporting a Tom Ford “Country Jacket” in a dark brown wide wool check, brown silk pocket square, brown wool knit tie and “Cyrille” sunglasses, Turnbull and Asser red and white striped cotton shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs, vintage agate cuff links, Gucci brown tweed motor cycle pant, python belt and brown leather Chelsea boots, red leather gloves by Sermoneta, Etro silk paisley scarf and my fragrance is Creed Vintage Taborome.
