A New Year Challenge for 2023
The new year gives us a chance to have a fresh start. According to the Epoch Times article: 23 Things to let go of in 2023 written by Barbara Danza; there are emotions, feelings, and ways of thinking that could be holding us back from living our best lives and sabotaging our relationships. Barbara asks us to reflect on such things as clutter, resentment, expectations, holding ourselves to an impossible standard or to a low standard and not even trying.
For example: Are we judgmental of others? Judgment can become a habit and do we really want to be the people who look down on others or cheer up others and see the good in people? How much better will you and your relationships be if you let judgment go? The article explains that being too judgmental hurts our relationships and our environment. Personally, I thrive with encouraging and uplifting words and support. How about the people around you? A word of encouragement instead of judgment might be just what they need. Goals and resolutions do not only need to be about our own accomplishments, but can be more about how to be a better person and friend.
Another suggestion is to let go of expectations. This article suggests not to have expectations but there are many types of situations where expectations need to be discussed and communicated. According to Save My Family Today in a blog post titled Unspoken Expectations Are The Seeds Of Resentment it states that this “is a reminder to speak to your loved one about your expectations, your thoughts, your fears and your needs before you become resentful, angry or frustrated.” Even if we communicate our expectations to others we cannot control another person’s actions. Therefore, it is best when expectations are discussed and agreed on. More details are provided in the article.
Continuing on that train of thought another one of the 23 things to let go of is control. A quote from the article: “There’s truly very little we can actually control in this life. Be the best person you can be in every role you play and leave the rest up to fate.”
Linked here is the article I have been referring to.
I hope this article inspires you to successfully let go of at least one of the 23 things listed here. At the end of this year, if you feel inspired to share with our readers your experience as to how you were able to succeed in it, please send your story to: newsletter@wfwp.us. We may publish it with your permission.
Do you accept the challenge for 2023?