And while we wait for the ball to drop, we have a few moments to reflect on the year past: what went right, what went wrong, and what we want to strive for the new year. That annual commitment to self-improvement begins once more. Isn’t it lovely how new beginnings work? At the stroke of midnight, we sweep out the old and usher in the new. We can renew, release and let go of yesterday. We have a brand new slate in front of us.

Resolutions are kinda corny, yet we keep making them. We make them, break them, then remake them. There’s nothing wrong with the idea of change and improving ourselves. I recall the Spanish Inquisition sketch of Monty Python. The torture room had a big comfy couch and sitting in this couch lead to death because the couch was so comfy, you didn’t want stand up anymore. When life gets *too* comfortable, we start to atrophy. We need change and discomfort. It’s almost integral to personal growth.

Besides, I am a notorious list-maker. They are comforting to me, And having a few resolutions (especially on a public blog) helps keep me  on track. Accountable. So here are mine, if you care.

1. Clean out my purse and wallet once a week.

2. Write in my journal daily. I recently procured a One Line a Day 5-year Memory Book and downloaded the Momento app on my iPhone for this purpose.

3. Edit and print the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 Santos yearbooks.

4. Strengthen portfolio and promote the Beloved genre of photography for my portraiture business.

5. Eat more soup. Apparently, it’s good for my dosha type, Vata. (Reference: The Yoga Body Diet by Kristen Schultz Dollard and John Douillard.)

6. Play the ukulele more.

7. Hug, love, laugh more (not necessarily in that order, but do all in large quantities.)

8. Start a personal project (not necessarily finish, but at least brainstorm, conceptualize and plan.)

9. Finally get through the book “One Year to an Organized Life.” by Regina Leeds

I am just looking at this list and feeling a little overwhelmed. They all seem perfectly achievable (except for #3 – which scares me). So as a back-up to my resolutions….I like guiding words. Three words, to be precise that will help me keep on track. For me — 2011 was year of exploration, acceptance and clarity. 2012 will be my year of  balance, authenticity and mindfulness.

What are your three guiding words for 2012?

Oh, I forgot resolution #10! From here onwards, I will take a photo of the family on the last day of the year. Above, you’ll see the 2011 one. HAPPY NEW YEAR, friends.

May 2012 be your best year yet.