Ring In The New You

The New Year is fast approaching, and now is as good a time to decide what and whom we desire in our lives. We should avoid starting the year with trash and clutter. The keys to starting a blissful 2012 are organisation and elimination. Sometimes we have a hard time parting ways, even with things and people who are no good. Hence, we never burn bridges; we never shred, and we never discard. We keep going back and holding on.

Most of us are living toxic lives because we never, ever get rid of anything or anyone. With regards to people, I'm not suggesting that we drop everyone who has ever wronged us. I am suggesting that we separate from people who wish every manner of evil upon us, especially the ones who do this in the name of Jesus or with a smile. Don't be fooled. View this as evidence confirming that there needs to be separation. Come to terms with the fact that just like some things are bad for us, some people are bad for us. When organising and eliminating, consider the following list:

1. Crazy closet clutter

We all have a room or a closet where everything goes to die. Where there is death, there is no life, growth or progress. Organize your storage area. Discard anything that is not important and donate clothing that hasn't been worn in the last 12 months. We tend to deal with clutter much like we deal many other irritants. We tuck it away and pretend it doesn't exist. This is living a lie. It appears as though everything is clean and neat. When we dig deeper, it's a mess or a problem of hoarding. Always clean your mess from the inside out. When you tuck it away, it just grows out of control.

2. People who aren't ready

Some people just aren't in our league and we need to separate either permanently or temporarily. We're not better than them. It's just that we're on a different path, and their behaviour and suggestions hamper our progress. We have to accept some people as they are. They mean no harm. However, we know when it comes to certain matters they will not deliver. If there is potential for improvement, we might want to simply give the relationship some space. Others are downright evil and malicious. When they show up, they bring nothing but a platter of negative karma and a cup full of hate and jealousy. These are the people we need to separate from permanently. How you choose to separate is an individual decision, but realize these individuals have no place in your immediate circle.

3. Resolutions

Resolutions hamper our creative process, and actually lower our self-esteem. They simply make us average by placing us in a barrel with a million other people with the same vague statement with no plan of execution. They make us feel we are less than satisfactory. They are basically empty promises we make to ourselves year after year. Instead of making resolutions set clear, achievable goals that give us a sense of accomplishment.

4. Mediocre men

This one is difficult because no one wants to be without a man on New Year's Eve. However, you might want to get rid of your man and start fresh, if the following applies. He cheats, lies, gambles, hits, or displaces any other form of behaviour that is unacceptable to you; he is fine being mediocre; he is irresponsible financially and otherwise; and you're still trying to change him. If any of these apply, it's time to leave. Find a man who is exceptional, and refuse to settle. Alternatively, start loving yourself enough to wait, and let him find you.


Editor-in-Chief's Note:EBONIE-MARCHÉ JONES is a freelance contributor with MNI Alive

Photo Credit To Moms Get Real