The "Other" Resolutions

People talk about resolutions for the New Year

And then see their determination swiftly disappear

So, here are some ideas that could mean a lot more

You can attain them much better than the ones before

 

  How about simply giving some more in the new year?

To those who suffer badly, in hardship and fear?

How about being more grateful for life as it is

Instead of always focusing on whatever’s amiss?

  How about more walking, not necessarily fast…

Just little strolls that will make your health last?

Or reading a book that’s different from your style?

Who knows! It may end up being worth your while!

  What about frequently telling people nice things…

So that you can witness the joy that this brings?

And what about being a bit more positive to YOU?

By ending that negative self-talk that makes you blue?

  And oh yes: you could also unplug now and then

Leave your electronics behind - regain your own zen?

You could stop seeing your life as overbearing

By simply deciding to stop comparing?

 You could motivate yourself at least once a day

And find how the pressure and stress fade away

How are these for some fun, easy plans for the New Year?

All the best to you and yours: may you be of good cheer!

 

The gift of focus

Life is a sequence of experiences, gentle and hard

This is a reality from which none of us is barred

But there are different ways

Of perceiving our living days

And to do so, we don’t have to be unusually smart.

We should always consider – before we raise our voices

That what we experience is the result of our own choices

We may not have known before

What our chosen path had in store

But reflection is always better than making twitchy noises.

Yet, even more important for us is the understanding

That we alienate others by complaining and demanding

If we grumble and gripe all the time

Our life’s value won’t be worth a dime

And worst of all: we’ll feel as if our misery is expanding!

For, while we cannot see in our future when we choose

We can decide to sing a happy life-tune or wail the blues

You see, our focus actually determines

The content of our personal sermons

It triggers the difference between sensing if we win or lose.

In our lives we have many things to be overjoyed about

But also things that can cause us to moan, cry, or shout

Some of us see our glass as half full

Others nag that it’s a half-empty pool

Forgetting that overcoming trials is what it’s all about.

So, if you wish, take this as a well-intended invitation

To reflect on your life and engage in contemplation

Is it really all terrible and bad?

Or are there things that make you glad?

If so, let’s gratefully celebrate our life’s jubilation!

joan marques