How to Have a Happy New Year

So here we are again, the start of another brand new year. The end of 2018 came and went, the earth didn't go up in flames, aliens didn't land and we're all pretty much still here, getting on with it...

Just like every January, this is when the guilt usually begins again.

"I must do such and such this year, I can't believe how much I ate at Christmas and I got so drunk on New Years eve, oh my!"

We look back at all we failed to achieve last year, guiltily make some well-meaning New Years Resolutions to lose weight, sign up for gym membership, try to spend more time with the kids, all without really considering how we'll achieve our goals. Sadly most of us give up after a couple of months and feel like a failure.

Well here's a thought; maybe it's time to cut yourself some slack for a change instead.

Let me put it this way. Guilt is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere.

Guilt is a pretty negative emotion and not one I would encourage anyone to indulge in. I'm going to suggest that instead, we could start each new year by counting our blessings, looking around and truly seeing everything we have to be grateful for already.

This could be a simple as being in good health, having a roof over your head and food to eat. These simple things may not sound like much, but believe me they would suddenly become very important indeed if you didn't have them.

Why not try making a list of all the things you have to be happy and grateful for this January instead of a list of resolutions that you probably wont keep, and will then beat yourself up about later.

Lets start the year happy instead of guilty. If there are things you want to achieve, then pick a time later in the year when the New Years Resolution madness has passed, and sit down to do some proper goal setting.

Make sure there are lots of easy, achievable steps to your goal so you don't get overwhelmed, or better yet, find yourself a life coach (personally I work with the absolutely fabulous Jacqueline Fairbrass) who will help you to make small, comfortable changes that fit into your lifestyle.

You can always join the gym in February if you still really want to. I'm sure it will still be there!

Here's wishing you a Fantastic New Year, one and all. Guilt Free!