This is my last post for 2011 and I have decided to write about reviewing your year. As the year comes to a close there are many articles and news stories that talk about the year in review.
Usually these stories are about celebrities and world events. It has definitely been an incredible year for the world. It has probably been an memorable year for you as well.
Reviewing the past year can help you gain some perspective on how you want to create your new year which start on Sunday. It is always a good plan to review what you have done before moving into a new project or area of life. Review gives us chance to see what we have done well and what areas we need to improve.
One of the best ways to review your year is to remember to have gratitude for everything that has happened. Finding gratitude in every situation will definitely improve the quality of your life as you move into the new year.
It seems so easy to find gratitude when things are going well, your health is perfect, you are making lots of money, you're on vacation. Finding gratitude in the midst of a dis-ease process, after the loss of a love one, dealing with financial strain is truly a gift. As you look back at the year can you find gratitude for those difficult times so that you can move into 2012 with a greater sense of well-being.
How do you find gratitude? Gratitude, the state or feeling of being thankful, is an almost universal concept among world cultures.
In fact, nearly all of the world’s spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of giving thanks to benefactors, supernatural or otherwise according to a study published in 2000 by Emmons and Crumpler, 2000.
Focus on all of the good in your life not matter how small it seems. Start by being grateful for taking a deep breath, for walking, talking to friends and family.
Researchers have found that gratitude increases life satisfaction, vitality and happiness. I think starting 2012 with those traits is a wonderful way to start a new year! I wish you health, peace, vitality and happiness in 2012!
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.healthydaes.com
Dr. Dae's Bio:
“Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who treats the whole person using safe and effective combinations of traditional and natural methods to produce optimal health and well-being in the lives of her patients.
Sources:
Emmons, R, and C Crumpler. "Gratitude as a human strength: Appraising the evidence." Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 19 (2000): 56-69. Print.
Woods, Alex., Joseph, S., Linley, P."COPING STYLE AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCE OF GRATEFUL PEOPLE." Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 26.9 (2007): 1076–1093. Print.
Reviewed December 29, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith