New Beginnings, pt.3

It's so easy to say "I'll start over, start something new, change a habit, break a habit, when a New Year rings in."  We've all done that.  Then there are those who say a new year begins with September and back to school -- another good time to think of new beginnings, making new plans, starting fresh.  I'm not sure about the rest of you, but long term goals are too easy to procrastinate over, to put off until tomorrow-- because I have a whole year to "do it" in.  Yes, I've done the same thing.  Many times!!

But what if we break it into chunks?  Smaller, more manageable pieces?? 

When I started my exercise/diet plan (yet again!),  the one thing I did differently, and have continued to do, is to make small goals that are achievable.  I didn't start off and say I'm gonna lose 30 lbs.  I set my goals much smaller.  "This week I'm going to lose 1-2 lbs."   Yeah, some weeks I didn't reach the goal, but I knew that by setting it at only another week, it was manageable.  Maybe that's too simplistic, but it worked for me.  Who wants to spend their entire day off work "cleaning the garage".  Wouldn't you rather just do an hour at a time and do one section?  

Why not do that with our goals as well?  Every month there is a new moon.  Why not use that day to start something new -- only for a month?  Let's say you want to give up chocolate ice cream.  Isn't it easier knowing that its only for one month instead of all year long?  I can do a lot of things for a short period of time.  Why not use that same guideline to work on our hopes and dreams for our lives??

August 17 is the start of the new moon.  I've done some searching around on the web, and have found a few things that might help start down a new path.  If you want to do this with me, I have gathered the following supplies up (they're sitting in a basket on my desk to remind me.... I'm old and sometimes forgetful hehehe)   

A candle to honor the Goddess in her new moon.  A stick of incense.  A small unused notebook and pen.  And four items to honor the elements:  Fire, Water, Earth, Air.   (I'm using a small red votive candle for fire; a small cup of Water, a small bottle of sand for Earth, and a feather for Air.  Your items are symbolic and can be anything  you see fits)

Be thinking about the dreams and wishes of your heart, the things you want to see come into your life, and the things you'd want to change.  Maybe you're hoping for new love.  Maybe a career move.  Health and Happiness.  A stress-free month ahead.  More (or less) family interactions.  It's your wishes, no one will see them.  Start dreaming, and we'll see you back here on Aug 17th :) 
 

 The beginning is the most important part of the work. 

-Plato