Now that the major winter holidays are over, along with the plethora of gift-giving, many of us are setting our sights on next week’s Big Event: the heralding of a new year, the opening of our pristine 2014 calendars…..yes, it is once again almost New Year’s Eve. While this date conjures up images of fireworks, dropping balls, champagne toasts and good friends, for many it also signals the time to start making New Year’s Resolution lists.

We all have the best of intentions when engaging in this activity.  In my own experience, every December 31^st I strive to have more patience in the coming year, only to find I have fallen short of my ideal by mid-February! So it seems to be with many of the more common goals that people set for themselves: weight loss, smoking cessation, taking the steps instead of the elevator…we all start out with strength in our convictions, but somehow “life” gets in the way of our efforts to improve that very life we are leading.

This year, a new approach might be in order. Rather than focusing inward, we can try to look outward. Each day, write down 5 things for which you are grateful.  They can be simple things, such as your teenager remembering to fill your gas tank after borrowing the car.  They can also be more impactful, such as a loved one recovering from an illness.  By setting aside time each day to reflect on the world around you, and recognizing the gift of simple abundance, you have also allowed yourself to take a “time out” form the harried pace of the day. 

Creating a daily “gratitude list” can also facilitate stress release, fostering a sense of inner calm which is often accompanied by a positive outlook. A research study conducted in 2010 found that people with positive emotions were 20% less likely than their gloomier peers to have a heart attack or develop heart disease. Other research suggests that positive emotions can actually make individuals more resilient and resourceful. That in itself is something for which to be grateful.

The most wonderful aspect about this New Year’s resolution is that it is virtually impossible not to keep. The only action required is setting aside the time it will take to pause, reflect, and perhaps for the first time truly “see” the world around you. Everyone’s list will be unique, and there is no wrong answer.

If you have already chosen to dedicate yourself to improved wellness this year — losing weight, staying fit, etc. — I applaud you and encourage you to stay on track, for the rewards you shall reap will be better health and renewed energy. However, if you find yourself without a goal in mind, and less than a week remains until December 31^st, consider the gratitude angle for the coming year. Five items a day in exchange for a harmonious sense of self sounds like a winner!  Let’s toast to that!