Everyone has their own special way of entering the New Year.  Most of us create New Year’s resolutions as a way to kick start the goal setting process.  I have been taking a different approach over the last few years – I pick a theme.  My personalized theme is chosen to set the tone for the year ahead.  This theme becomes a mantra that vibrates just under my level of consciousness as I go throughout my day. It serves to be the underlying intention of whatever it is I choose to do in the year ahead.

Here are some examples.  In 2005 my theme was ‘taking baby-steps’ – that was the year I quit my corporate job and after many months of contemplation, I decided to become a hypnotherapist.  You should have seen the look on my husband’s face when I told him.  That year, I learned the value of taking it one step at a time – patience.  In 2006 the theme ‘living my dream’ is what helped me to co-found my company – the energy of that theme gave me the drive to overcome my obstacles and I learned the value of persistence.  Last year my theme was ‘finding my confidence’.  I decided that as I turned 40, it was high time to let go of my self-doubt and become confident and comfortable in my own skin.  One of the numerous positive results was an increase in clients who sought my help.

This year my theme has a different kind of energy altogether.  I’ve decided to ‘step out of my comfort zone’.  Even saying it leaves me a little weak in the knees because I know this intention will bring me the experiences I need to develop my courage & resiliency.  And guess what, it is only the second month of the year and I have already pushed myself further than I could have imagined!  I’m entering 2 public speaking competitions and had great experiences being interviewed by the Media.  Usually, just the thought of doing those things would leave me in a cold, debilitating sweat.  The year is off to an empowering start as I discover that I have more courage than I thought!

You too can manifest a powerful, personal transformation by picking your theme for 2009 – it’s not too late.  Briefly review the past year and note any areas where you believe you fell short of your potential.  What qualities would have helped you to realize that potential?  What do you wish you had or had more of?  Take a few minutes, find some quiet time and think with your heart – what quality would you like to work on this year that will help you to live the life you want?  With that intention in mind, create your theme. 

For example: if you wish you had more time to yourself, your theme could be ‘creating me-time’ or ‘making my space’.  Phrase it simply so that it is clear and catchy, something you will easily remember.  Make your theme positive and in the present tense.  Write it down.  It helps to repeat your theme a couple of times a day so that you are reminded of it.  You can also post it on the refrigerator, on your bathroom mirror, your night stand, in your car; use it as a screen saver; program it into your cell phone as a greeting so that every time you turn on your phone, your theme greets you.  Keep a journal and jot down the positive experiences you have as a result of your theme – this is a powerful neuromuscular exercise that creates imprinting.  The more reminders you have, the deeper it will seep into the layers of your consciousness.  

Your theme will become a gentle, positive undercurrent in your life.  You will hear your theme whispering in the background of your mind as you go through your day.  It will percolate while you sleep and inspire you through your dreams.  It will call out to you when you are making a decision and will guide you to make choices that manifest your intention.  Not only will your theme bring you the experiences consistent with your intention, you will also notice the appearance of resources that can support your journey.

Remember, every day you have the choice to create the life you want to live. How do you intend to live this year?  What’s your theme for 2009?

C. Sarla Mills