Making A Fresh Start

Sunrise is a fresh start to a new day

It being the New Year I thought I would delve into the idea of making a fresh start.

I am not particularly one to make New Year’s Resolutions. Rather I prefer to be continually trying to be a better version of myself, the best possible version, each and every day.

Sure, some days I am better at that resolve than others, but it is in the intention, the action, and whatever progress I make that is important.

New Beginnings Can Be Important

There is something to be said, however, about times when we see that a new beginning, a fresh start, is important. Yes, New Year’s resolutions are one way to do that. But so is starting a new job, having a child, getting married, getting sober, going on a trip or meeting up with a friend (new or old).

I admit that when the end of the year rolls into the start of a new one, when the calendar flips to January 1, I tend to take stock. How was last year? What are my thoughts on the coming days and months?

The New York Times newsletter in my email in-box today spoke of focusing on hope for the New Year. And another email wrote about the health benefits of finding or renewing your sense of purpose in the New Year. Behavioral medicine research indicates some of these health benefits include better sleeping, protection against anxiety and depression, lower risks of heart disease and dementia, and ultimately a longer life. Sounds pretty good to me.

My belief is that some kind of life story, memoir, reminiscence or personal history work can provide not only a sense of purpose but also a connection to your life journey. You can recall and review important moments in your life. Some of them were undoubtedly a fresh start of sorts. What happened? What did you learn? How might sharing your experiences influence and help another person?

My journals are an ongoing practice in life review and a record of my thoughts, actions and experiences. I find it useful in many ways.

Here’s to your Fresh Starts this year. Remember that every new beginning is an adventure and there is so much to live for in each and every day!

Behold the New!

“And now let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been.”

– RAINER MARIA RILKE

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