The end of the year can be a reflective time for many. You look book at what you’ve accomplished, events that have transpired, losses, gains, changes, perspective shifts. You look around you and see your surroundings in a whole new light. Perhaps you feel the need to do a thorough purging of your closets and desk, get rid of those old emails, maybe hang some new artwork (MyPopArt offers some inspiring art for the new year.)

Many of decide to make resolutions but somehow we know they are destined to fail. Why? What is it about resolutions that inspires so much resistance? Maybe they are too big and unrealistic. “I want to lose 75 pounds by summer” or “I want to run for office.” Of course, any of these goals are possible, but sometimes a looming resolution makes the Inner Critic inside of us scream, “No way!”

Perhaps instead of resolutions, we can think in terms of how we’d like to feel this upcoming year. “I’d like to feel healthier and lighter” or “I want to contribute more to my community.” These seem gentler for our often resistance psyche.

Or perhaps this is just a chance to reflect on the things you have accomplished this passing year. We often don’t give ourselves credit for the strides we’ve already taken, which makes taking others one even more difficult.

Whatever your choice, make some changes for your upcoming year that seem reasonable and full of gratitude. There’s a lot to be grateful for, of course. And don’t forget to tend to your surroundings. Some new artwork, a good purging, a thorough cleaning; these things all contribute to making the upcoming year seem like a clean slate.