The time for change is always now

It’s that time of year again, when we cherish the memories and look forward to a new year with bright and sparkling eyes. It’s as if at the strike of midnight our shortcomings and new aspirations come to light, with the hope that this is THE YEAR.  In reality, with the dawning of a new year, we desperately want to know if something great will happen: the year I lose those 10 pounds, the year I get accepted into that great program, the year I meet Mr. Right, the year that will change my life.

Interestingly, especially around this time, people (including myself) want to know what’s in store for them.  It’s almost as if a pulsing anxiety in the back of the mind is repeating the question, “Is this going to be my year?”

I guess it would be great to know exactly how your year will pan out—whether your resolutions, reconciliations and aspirations will actually happen. Tarot cards or palm readings have ways (that I’ll never understand) of giving insight on what’s going to happen, sometimes general and sometimes eerily specific. With an open mind and a pretty penny, you might get some answers. The real question, though, is why would you?

Why not embrace the unknown? Why not set small goals instead of planning a whole life makeover when we say bye to another year? Now, not to come across as a Dr. Phil wannabe, but instead of using the energy to try to foretell the future, just be. Don’t get me wrong: it’s great to expect certain resolutions to ensue. But now, in the beginning of 2013, as you’re keenly planning out your year and wondering what is going to happen, stop yourself and just enjoy today.

If you focus on today and make it great—by accomplishing one step toward a goal, making a new friend, finding a hip new place downtown, or even jogging or studying for longer than 10 minutes—then the future will deal with itself. When you put effort in collectively every day to accomplish small things that make you a better person, to help you grow and gain perspective—that’s when it’s YOUR YEAR, and the future doesn’t seem so daunting and mysterious.

And if that doesn’t work out, well, there’s always next year.