2013 – A Year to Change Your Karma

2012 has been a year of change – a year to recalibrate. To shed the old, explore the new, and shift into a new chapter. Whether that shift is in your career, relationships, friends, or old habits – the intentions set, and the actions that followed, have planted the seeds that will flourish in this next phase of your life.

This shift may not have come with ease. In fact, some of the most rewarding changes are the ones that are the most uncomfortable. The ones that cause you to face your deepest fears, confront limiting beliefs and heal old wounds.

2013 is about new beginnings. A year to change your karma – to manifest the life you want to create. In order to do this, first, set your intention. My intention is to be a force of love – to embody it, create it, and attract it. In order to continue on this journey, here are a few things I plan to work on this coming year:

Be curious of strangers.
Being comfortable with the group of friends I have, I typically don’t make much of an effort to get to know new people. Recently on a yoga retreat in mexico, everyone pretty much had to come to the table with an open mind and heart. As a result, I met a group of incredibly interesting and special people.

If I remained stuck in my typical habits, I would have never gotten the chance to create the new, rewarding friendships that was the result of being open. I’m realizing that each person you meet, no matter how different they are from you, can teach you something. And, every so often, someone who started out as a mere stranger can enrich your life. To be curious is to be genuinely interested – and that intrigue enables a potential new friendship to develop.

Be open. Judgment can blind you from seeing the greatest beauty in people.
In our society of efficiency and expectation of instant everything, we judge with haste. Because of this automated behaviour, we overlook people in the process – people who could add great value to our lives. I’ve been guilty of dismissing people right away, and I think this habit has done me a great diservice. I would like to shed this old habit, and give more people a chance.

Say yes to adventure.
When it comes to adventure, I’ve definitely been more of a ‘no’ person. I prefer safety, being in my comfort zone, and being able to “control” the outcome. Years of being like this can dull the spirit. I’ve made it a goal to say “yes” more, especially to things that frighten me. From swimming in the middle of the ocean, to taking a chance with new people, to moving to a different country – being open to adventure has proved to be rewarding. There’s a sense of empowerment that comes when you are able to conquer a fear. Adventure adds vibrant color and excitement to your overall experience of life. Here’s to saying less of “no” and more of “yes”.

I’ve never been big on new year’s resolutions. It doesn’t seem impactful to make a promise in the beginning of the year only to fall back into old habits a few months after. Rather, I regard these as commitments of evolving, on a journey to always strive to be better. A quote from a wise friend of mine, Paul Melo, captures the essence of this beautifully:

“New Year’s is not about changing who you are. It is about being who you are more than ever. Being the best you there could possibly be. Be you. Be genuine. Be better.”

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