Happy New Year!

by Marie T. Russell

Although the difference between Dec. 31st and January 1st is only one day, our psyche measures it as a major milestone in our existence. It is good to have a fresh start on January 1st... this gives us the needed motivation to release our previous beliefs and behaviors. The energy of a new year is very reassuring and helps us "turn the page" on what we no longer desire.

Just as businesses take inventory at the beginning or end of a year, so, too, can we. When we take time to inventory our life, we reconnect with who and what we are. By reflecting this way, it helps us to rediscover our life's goals and aspirations. When you look at your goals and dreams, are you on track? Are you meeting the goals you set? For example, you may have a goal of being healthy and dynamic — yet, in practice, you primarily watch TV and munch on fried and oily potato chips. There appears to be a dichotomy between desire and practice. Taking an impartial look at our lives can be very useful. I ask you not to judge or criticize yourself — simply observe.

This year, I am focusing on attaining peace — both within myself and with others around me. Remember, we are the creators of the reality around us. By focusing on peace, first within ourselves, next with everyone we meet, be they family, friends, or people on the street, the world will begin resonating to the same frequency. Additionally, we need to make peace with the statesmen/women of this planet. If we spend time bemoaning the state of the world, criticizing the behavior of our politicians, and becoming angry at the defilement of Mother Earth, we cannot be at peace. Of major importance is the fact that we are not contributing to the solution. Our angry thoughts simply add fuel to the fire!

By saying this, I do not mean to suggest we bow down and allow things to continue as they are. No! We need to take the necessary steps to redirect the leadership on this planet — yet we must do it from an inner state of peace, knowing that change is essential for the healing and continuation of life on this planet. We must participate and make changes, but not from anger, not from despair, not from impatience and judgment. We must understand that everyone has been doing what they felt they needed to do. Our role is to help others understand that there is a better, more peaceful, loving, and healing way. It is the way of the peaceful warrior. We do not lay down and let others trod over us and damage our beloved planet and its inhabitants. Neither do we participate in the "game" of violence and arrogance. If we adopt the same behavior as the aggressors, we have become one of them.

We should constantly question our motives and direction. Are we moving towards harmony and peace for all? Are we focusing on wanting a resolution where everyone's highest good is being considered? Are we living from the "me against them" perspective or from a knowledge that everyone is important in the grand scheme of things? We must focus on peaceful resolutions, always looking for the "highest" path, the path of love and where the Highest Good of all emerges a "winner".

Living and working with others can be a very enlightening experience when we realize that everyone is us — at some stage of our evolution. The person we admire may be where we are headed, whereas, the one we judge and criticize may be where we are, or where we have been — or perhaps they are portraying someone from our past and we get to relive similar situations and interactions so that we can heal our own behavior. The lesson is to learn to heal — to deal with all situations in peace and objectivity, always looking for the highest good for all concerned.

It's a new year! It's a new day! It's a new moment! Every moment is another opportunity to raise our vibrations and thus contribute to raising the vibration of the planet and all of its inhabitants. As every one of us renounces fear and resentments, we are helping others up another step in the ladder of life. We are not separate. Each of our actions, thoughts, and desires resonate in the Universe to be "picked up" by others.

Now is the time to make sure that we contribute to the upliftment of humanity. We are all in this together. Let's join forces (the forces of love and peace) and create a better world. We are the leaders of the transition. We are the ones who can make a difference — by our individual actions, thoughts, and visions, and by our collective actions, thoughts, and visions. 

Love is the key, and you are the gatekeeper who holds the key — love for ourselves, for our neighbors, for those better off or worse off than we, for everyone. 

Open the door of your heart and let the Light & Love shine to yourself, to others, and through you and all. Happy New Year!

Recommended book:

The Amazing Power of Deliberate Intent: Living the Art of Allowing
by Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks.

For more info or to order this book

About The Author

Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.

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