It's That Time Again

It's that time again.  Our New Year's resolutions made.  Whatever they are, losing some extra weight, eating better, exercising more or cutting back on certain habits--darn those video games--that in excess, can take us away from other, more important life matters, it's scary how many of our commitments can easily become excuses to get lost at one or more of the Seven C's.  Perhaps it's competing with and comparing our self to others, clinging to a belief that we absolutely must be successful "this time" in meeting our New Year commitments?  Perhaps, we are once again chasing that illusory "I'll be happy when..." moment in some unknown future?  Perhaps it's expending every effort to control all aspects of our life in futile fashion, despite some days not feeling well like today or choosing to deal with even more important life circumstances at the time, then complaining and criticizing ourselves when we fall short of our yearly goals? 

The fundamental truth, pure and simple, is that each of us needs nothing more to be happy, not one darn thing, save for this moment, here and right now.  We can decide moment to moment how to engage others, simplifying our life by choosing to focus our time and energy only on what truly matters.  We can choose to just let go and accept life and our self with flexibility, generosity, kindness and compassion.  In sometimes seemingly radical fashion, we can choose to love our self and life just as we and it are, regardless.  Each of us is of infinite beauty, worth, and deserving of love, regardless of our successes and failures, resolutions or not.  Whenever we come up short, why not simply choose to be grateful and content this very moment, the only place where happiness and love can ever be.  It's not to say we shouldn't make New Year's resolutions, but perhaps commit to those goals that will truly make us happier absent any judgements and of course those pesky seven C's.  I won't beat myself up this New Year over all the hours, okay probably many days, wasted on video games that could've been spent more effectively, but I might cut back some and trade those extra hours for some quality family time.  "What's that Jonah?  Another round of Splendor?  I'm in!"

Yep, it's that time again.  Happy New Year everyone...right here, right now!