A new year, a new you-just for you

December 30, 9:06 AMRelationship ExaminerKristen Houghton

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It is said that when you begin “cleaning house” you have the desire for a different way of living. I believe it. Most changes seem to occur in the new year of course; all those resolutions, of course. But there is something about anew year that makes us want to “change things.” We clean out closets, throw away what we don’t want, don’t need, don’t even remember getting; in short we want a new life.

How about starting with a new you, just for you? What would make you happy or more comfortable?

A new you can begin in so many different ways. If you have an interest in a certain subject, but hesitate to take the plunge and go back to school, become a self-researcher. A friend has always had a passion for Egyptology. She researched books at her local library, read on the web, and targeted an area in ancient Egyptian history. She even took classes in hieroglyphics. It is something she is doing just for pleasure.

My husband did go back to school. After years in the corporate world he left to become a high school teacher. He began as a permanent sub to “test the waters.” This move was for him and him alone. Less money but more reward. He looks and feels younger.

A couple with whom we have monthly dinners decided that they no longer wanted the hassle of a large house whose upkeep consumed their weekends. They bought a townhouse where they’re happy. Now they’ve freed their weekends to pursue other interests and visit their daughter at her college. Life change for the better.

A colleague of mine is taking piano lessons. She is forty and had never taken a music lesson in her life but always wanted to learn how to play the piano.

“Even if no one ever hears me play, that’s fine. I’m playing for me and. The fun thing is that my eight year-old son, who is taking flute lessons, accompanies me.”

As for me, after two years of saying I was going to do it, I went back to ballet classes. Will I ever dance for the New York Ballet Company? Absolutely not. I’m doing it for the feeling of joy it gives me. And the discipline and physical strength are pretty good too.

We all benefit from changes we make in our lives. Something that gives us a sense of self and a feeling of accomplishment is a worthwhile goal. What change will you begin to make in 2009? Just for you.

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© 2008 all rights reserved Kristen Houghton 

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