Yes, 2012 has officially arrived, and with it comes a new set of expectations we place on ourselves.  So, in honor of the New Year, here are twelve thoughts to consider.

1. Use a daily planner.  A daily planner keeps schedules organized.  Sometimes when we wing it (i.e., store things in our heads), we forget about important dates and events.  You certainly don’t have to make inserts every day, although some individuals will want to do so.  Still, the planner is there to keep plans orderly (and it does!).
2. Accept help from others. Some of us are only too willing to assist others, but we are exceedingly uncomfortable accepting help.  However, when we refuse support, we could be prohibiting other individuals from feeling valuable.  Naturally, each circumstance is different, but be open to help.
3. Keep pleasantries around.  Everyone has something that brings him or her joy.  For example, if thinking about the Red Sox pleases you, then keep a baseball image within eyeshot.  Each time you see the item, you’ll get a boost!
4. Approach projects methodically. Maybe the attic is cluttered or the basement is junk-filled.  Yet, just looking at the rooms produces angst.  In this type of situation, separate the room into sections and approach each part individually.  For instance, one day tackle the left corner of the attic, the next week tackle the right corner, etc.  In time the attic will be clean, and you’ll feel great!
5. Make concessions. People are imperfect.  Some of us may like to think we’re just right, but in truth, we all have idiosyncrasies.  Therefore, when appropriate (you’ll know when it’s right), give others a pass.  Heaven knows we’re all going to need one from time to time.
6. Meet up with friends. Sometimes we make plans in theory, but they never come to fruition.  If there is someone you’d like to connect with, do it (and jot the date down in your daily planner!).
7. Negotiate self-inflicted deadlines. Maybe you mentally planned to have all the seasonal decorations put away by mid January, but to do so would cause anxiety.  Give yourself time!  That does not suggest a license to procrastinate; it just means the world will not fall apart if you have to extend beyond your self-inflicted completion date.
8. Double check. When something doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t feel right.  When you get these types of feelings, double check.  The only thing you will have wasted if you’re wrong is a little extra energy.
9. Walk with optimism. Almost everyone has reasons to feel good and not so good.  Focus on the positive; it will absolutely add extra happiness to your life. For more information on health and wellness, check out the Health and Wellness section of our BLOG.
10. Teach by living. Certain people believe others should listen to their wise suggestions, but they don’t incorporate the advice into their own behaviors (e.g., telling people not to gamble when regularly partaking in gambling).  If we want to effectively teach, we should live what we say.
11. Say it gently.  Say what you mean, but say it gently.  For example, if someone hurts your feelings, you might think about retaliating.  Nonetheless, this approach will likely lead to conflict.  Instead, honestly explain to the person the reasons why you feel the way you do.
12. Pray or mediate. Despite our best intentions, life can be stressful.  Regularly praying or mediating allows us to see beyond our troubles and realize we are part of a much larger picture.

Yes, a New Year is here; thus, let’s make it Happy.