The new year comes with its own unique challenges.

Are we there yet?

The first challenge is this phenomenon where most people are so obsessed with bringing in the new year wishing and praying it will be better than the shitty one they just had. Meanwhile, that’s the same thing they felt and said every new year.

This year is going to be better.

The second challenge is that no matter how many amazing and beautiful things we experience, it is quickly forgotten, pushed aside, and even unnoticed at times in hopes for the better. This explains that we, as humans, fail to live in gratitude for whatever happens in our lives because we are so focused on the next thing. That has to be better.

Can’t wait to start over.

The third challenge is wrapped around the notion of do-overs. We are always looking forward to ending something and starting something new. But what if we can take into the new year the miracles of the previous one. What if we were to recall the blessings? What if we don’t really have to start over? What if it were to be a chance to reassess and modify rather than finish with it altogether like it was our biggest enemy.

In reality, we don’t physically end a year and start a new one. We don’t close an actual door behind and physically enter into a new room. However, energetically, that’s kinda what happens. Generally, it feels like nothing changed other than getting used to writing a new date – we spend the first month of the year making that same mistake.

Mentally, however, we are aware that we are starting again. Here comes January, followed by the next month that brings with it Valentine’s Day (either you hate it or love it.) Followed by the next month and the next month. Seasons change, our lives change, people get older, we lose people we love, someone graduates, someone gets married, a baby is born, a teenager moves out and goes to college, someone is retiring and so on.

The one constant is change. We are changing regardless of a number changing on a calendar or not. The concept of time is all man-made. The truth is our lives change based on ourselves. We reap what we sow. Whatever we do comes back to us in full circle. The work you do on yourself will show. If you don’t grow and remain stagnant, that will also show. The cycle you feel you are trapped in is a cycle you put yourself in.

Life isn’t happening to you. You make your life by the choices you make.

So the new year won’t be any different if you don’t sit with yourself and decide to be different or do something different. And then actually do it. Not just talk about it.

The new year will be as new as you renew yourself. That is the truth no one wants to see.

And if you are ONE doing the inner work – good for you.

Happy New Year to all!

May you reap what you sow. Nothing less and Nothing more.