Sretan nova godina! Happy New Year! This is the season of change, new plans, and fresh beginnings. Whether it's finally hitting the gym, changing your diet, improving your sleep schedule, or adopting better emotional and physical habits – it's time for transformation. The canvas of the year lies blank before us, inviting us to paint it with the hues of positive change.
As I reflect on New Year traditions, I realize it has been quite some time since I participated in the Mexican tradition of making wishes while gobbling down 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. A tradition that marks both the passing of time and the hopeful anticipation of the future. Have you crafted any New Year's resolutions for the year ahead? The past year, despite its mix of joys and challenges, including natural disasters and conflicts, has left me yearning for a world free from the specter of human-caused horrors.
Wishing for change is a starting point, but true transformation requires action.
In the spirit of encouraging positive change and meaningful contributions, I invite you to contemplate the question:
How can I make a difference in my community and beyond?
For those seeking inspiration, consider the following avenues:
- Street Art: Collaborate on murals to brighten up public spaces.
- Share and Swap: Establish book-sharing spots in the neighborhood.
- Positive Notices: Spread uplifting messages on a Pinterest board with friends and family.
Moreover, consider directing your attention inward, for authentic transformation invariably commences from within.
- Window Gardens: Add small gardens to windows for a touch of nature.
- Personal Growth Corner: Create a dedicated space in your home for personal development filled with books, inspiring quotes, and a comfortable chair for reflection.
- Gratitude Practice: Maintain a gratitude journal to cultivate a positive mindset.
- Artistic Expression: Display your artwork, whether it's paintings, photography, or crafts, to add a personal touch to your living space.
- Mindful Meditation Space: Dedicate a quiet corner for meditation and mindfulness exercises.
- Declutter Regularly: Simplify your living space by decluttering regularly. A clean and organized environment can contribute to a sense of calm and well-being.
As we step into the New Year, let us collectively aspire to make this chapter of our lives one characterized by positive change, growth, and the pursuit of shared well-being.
May the canvas of the year ahead be adorned with strokes of kindness, resilience, and collective progress.
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Alejandra Gotóo (1991, Mexico City), who studied English Literature and recently graduated with a Masters of Social Anthropology is now writing about her time in Croatia as a columnist in Dubrovnik Times. Her work has been published in Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Peru. She has two published novels, Ruptura and Isadore or Absolute Love. Her topics of interest include nature, adventure, language, books, food, culture, animals, conservation, and women's rights. She also writes in her blog: Cardinal Humours.