The ultimate New Year resolution

From now on, I've changed my mind; this ultimate goal will be my resolution for every year.

I’ll start with a (not so) fun fact: This year, my goal was to look people in the eyes and say hello wherever I go. Some of you might be laughing. What a silly goal, right? But for me, it was extremely uncomfortable (still working on it). People think you're superficial when you avoid eye contact, but the truth is, for some, engaging in small talk, saying hello, and trying to make new friends at events can be a daunting challenge. Do I feel better after one year of stepping out of my comfort zone and focusing more on those around me than on myself? Well, I won't lie; it was a good exercise, and I think my networking skills have improved a bit, as have my relationships with others. But in the end, I think it was misguided - because the real problem was something else.

The real problem is that I'm in my mind 99% of the time, living either in the past or the future, but never in 'the now'. It's just overwhelming, the constant internal chatter that NEVER stops, always overanalyzing - every - single - thing -. 

I've read the books, I've listened to the podcasts; I get it - just live in the present, here and now. But why is it so difficult? Why is living in the present so hard?

My mind constantly races - stuck on past events or future plans. I often worry about others' opinions of my actions and words, weighing the right things to do in the coming days. I question whether I'm excelling in all my tasks and, if not, why and how I can improve. It’s just that I find it difficult to stay focused on the present moment for more than a few seconds. 

This realization (even though it’s not new) has shifted my perspective. My New Year's resolution is no longer just about saying hello or making eye contact. It's about truly being in the moment. I'm learning to redirect my thoughts, to appreciate the small things, and to find joy in the ordinary. It's about experiencing life fully, not just passing through it.

My goal is to practice being present; through meditation, reminders, yoga, and reading about this topic daily, so that next year I'll be just 95% in my mind, and 5% in the present, and the following year, even more so.

Hopefully, the result will positively impact the relationship I have with my daughter and loved ones, improve my work, and help me become a better person.

My journey to live in the present won't be easy, but it's a resolution worth pursuing from now on. I'll keep you posted if I gain new insights along the way, so maybe I can inspire others to make a change for the better too. And if you think you might help me throughout this journey, just say hello :)

I hope this makes you think a bit about your own New Year's resolution.

What is the one thing you want to improve in your life?