I love the thought of New Year’s Day. It is a great chance to renew the spirit, set goals, and start fresh. Whatever you have experienced in the past year this is a chance to have a new outlook. What a great feeling!
For those of you who were members of this newsletter last year, you might remember that every New Year’s eve, instead of “resolutions” I pick a one word that encompasses all the things I want to work on, for the upcoming year. I have encouraged friends, family and readers of this website to do the same thing.

I feel that it is easier to focus on one word, one goal or one “theme”, rather than a list of different tasks. I found
it overwhelming to make a list, but one word was attainable. I have tried to pick a word that covers a variety of areas in my life that could be better. One word was also easier to remember, whether it was with post it notes, or a screensaver on my computer, or even as a daily easy mantra.
Three years ago my word was “gratitude”. I chose that word because I wanted to be a more consciously grateful person. I think when I wasn’t feeling well, it was easier to focus on the things I didn’t have and not on the things I did. I really was happy I chose that to be my word for the year, because it forced me to recognize all the things I was blessed with including; family, friends, and more. I found the more grateful I was for the good in in my life, the more blessings came my way.
Two years ago I picked the word “choice”, I thought that I needed to work on making good choices and I needed to recognize the power I had in the decisions I make. Sometimes when you are sick you feel powerless or you think that your choices are limited. I needed to realize that I make choices every day that can make me a happier, healthier person. I had more power then I had ever realized.
Last year, for 2005 I chose the word “truth”. I needed to start focusing on what I believed works for me and my life and not necessarily living up to what others believed for me. I think it is easy to fall into the bad habit of living up to the
expectations of others. I want so much for others to be happy, that at times, I sacrifice my own happiness. The word “truth” was not so much about not lying, but to me it is about following my gut, following my heart and living life symbiotic with my thoughts and actions. From the complicated to the simple tasks, I wanted to live a more honest life.
So… what was to be my word, my “new Year’s Resolution” for 2006? The answer to this question started with a question. What is the opposite of guilt? See, I realized that every year I took steps to be a happier, healthier person… yet there are times in many areas of my life, that I made excuses, or felt guilty for the very happiness I worked so hard to achieve. I have a piece of brownie, or dessert and I say, “It is a holiday”. I fall madly, hopelessly in love, and I am afraid to mention it to my single friends, or I am afraid to appear “too mushy”. Well I plan on screaming it from the rooftops. I start to feel healthier then ever, and I say “cross your fingers”, or “until next flare up”. I need to learn to embrace all the good I have with pure joy and appreciation. No excuses, no guilt, just love.
So… getting back to the important question in my mind….What is the opposite of guilt? How can I work on something that is wrong, without knowing the word for what is right? Is it pleasure? Is it pride? The opposite of guilt, of course, is innocence. But that word didn’t totally express the feeling that I was going for. I want to live and love without guilt and the word innocent seems to naive or passive. It seems like that word has no strength, or responsibility and especially no heart. So for my word this year I am choosing the word….LOVE.
I am going to focus on being a more actively loving person. I am going to make a conscience effort to show the people around me that I love them. I think it is important for people to feel that they are truly loved. I may find my brother annoying, or my friends might be busy but I still love them. I am going to be proud to be in love. It is a rare and precious gift and I am lucky to have met someone so wonderful. I am going to love myself. This might be the hardest goal of all. It is easy to love yourself when things are good.. but to love my achy hands when they can’t type, or to love myself when I don’t have energy to get out of bed… well, let’s just say that will be the true test. But, I do love that I have the chance to try to love a little more in 2006.
What will your word be for 2006? Use this time to think about one word that is best to describe the things you wish to work on in the coming year.
It is NEVER too late to live the life you always wanted.
Written by Christine Miserandino,© 2005, www.butyoudontlooksick.com