15 things to do in the new year

“i actually attack the concept of happiness. the idea that- i don’t mind people being happy – but the idea that everything we do is part of the pursuit of happiness seems to me a really dangerous idea and has led to a contemporary disease in Western society, which is a fear of sadness. it’s a really odd thing that we’re now seeing people saying “write down 3 things that made you happy today before you go to sleep” and “cheer up” and “happiness is our birthright” and so on. we’re kind of teaching our kids that happiness is the default position- it’s rubbish. wholeness is what we ought to be striving for and part of that is sadness, disappointment, frustration, failure; all of those which make us who we are. happiness and victory and fulfillment are nice little things that also happen to us, but they don’t teach us much. everyone says we grow through pain and then as soon as they experience pain they say “quick! move one! cheer up!” i’d like just for a year to have a moratorium on the word “happiness” and to replace it with the word “wholeness.” ask yourself, “is this contributing to my wholeness?”and if you’re having a bad day, it is.” – hugh mackay

here are some things i recommend to kick off the start of this new year; a journey of checking-things-off. 

i hope you will join me. 

01. write out a calendar for the year and keep it updated + write down three priorities for each day

02. clean out your fridge + closets (everything out – donate, sell and store neatly) 

03. read / pray thirty minutes before bed

04. carve out time for girlfriends

05. sign up to volunteer 

06. unsubscribe from emails/publications you don’t need 

07. make your bed + designate a date every week for cleaning your sheets

08. buy fresh flowers 

09. wake up early (i really recommend this practice) 

10. turn off your tv + listen to music more 

11. take more walks outside 

12. keep healthy snacks on hand + drink water 

13. stretch 

14. clear off your kitchen counters + clean your sink until it shines 

15. be kind 

what are some of your personal goals + dreams for 2018?