5 Ways to Purge and Reinvent Yourself During the New Year!

For me, New Year's Eve brings two things. The first is the memory of meeting my husband, and the second is the anxiety of the new year ahead of me. I tell myself this year will be different because I will care better for my body, mind, soul, children, and husband. The year begins. I go to work, come home, help with homework, drive kids around, go to bed, and start the day all over again. All of my intentions go out the window. This year when someone asks, "What are your New Year's Resolutions?" My response will be, "I don't have any", because this year will be different. I will purge the parts of myself that bring me unhappiness and nurture the qualities that enhance my life. I do not have an overwhelming need to be a different person. However, I do want to be the best version of myself. Below are 5 ways to purge unwanted qualities and reinvent yourself to be the best version of yourself.

1.) Lose your ego and really examine yourself. Accept the fact that you are a flawed and complicated human being.?

2.) Begin with the positives. Identify personal qualities that bring joy and happiness in your life. List these qualities and begin to practice them more often. Be intentional but not fake. Through conscious practice, natural habits are formed.?

3.) Identify personal qualities that bring unhappiness or pain. Some unique qualities are beneficial in your work life or personal life, but not necessarily your whole life. If this is the case, learn to categorize these personal qualities and use them when necessary. Purge any unique qualities that do not benefit you or your loved ones.

4.) Embrace the "4 Locks, 4 Keys" taught in the Sutras. They are effortless to remember and make interacting with people simple. The 4 locks are happiness, unhappiness, the virtuous, and the wicked, and the 4 keys are friendliness, compassion, delight, and disregard.?

Greet those who are happy with friendliness.

Greet those who are unhappy with compassion.

Greet those who are virtuous with delight.

Greet the wicked with disregard.?

5.) Keep a written list of positive qualities in an accessible spot. When you feel low or need a reminder, it's best to read the list aloud so you can hear your positive attributes. Know that some days will be better than others and that old habits die hard. Forgive yourself when negative personal qualities surface and learn from the experiences they may bring.

Ring in the new year by practicing self-love by treating yourself with kindness and compassion. Discover and celebrate the best parts of you and live your truth! Ditch resolutions and focus on the gifts you have been given. Let your talents shine, and feel the positive energy you have flowing inside you.?