Alter with Alters

Dream to believe

       New Years Eve is a time when many people make resolutions. We set our intentions to achieve our goals, by planning the best way to get there.  It feels great, but I have found, resolutions are easy to set and harder to keep. Why is that?

       I think it is all a matter of attention. When we first set out every thing is new and feels fresh, like starting out on a road trip. Every thing is going well, but after a while the scenery just feels like a worn out déjà vu. We become tired or distracted and with that we lose it.

        So what can we do to prevent entropy from overtaking our intentions. My answer is to create alters. A focal point in your environment to remind you of your goal. The beauty of an alter is that when it becomes stale, you just change the scenery and...ta-da...we are interested again, back on track.

        When making an alter, simple is best, no need to spend a lot of time or money, unless that floats your boat. My favorites are dream boards and altars. A dream board is a picture representation of the outcome of your goal. A piece of cardboard and some clippings from a magazine or photos downloaded from the web will do the trick. Not noticing it any more?  Just make a new one or update the original. Easy peasy! 

         Altars are arrangements of keepsakes, nicknacks, crystals, flowers...you name it. Whatever keeps you focused, whatever reminds you of your goals. When I was in college I had a teddy bear dressed as a nurse to keep me going. Place the appropriate items in a spot where you will see them frequently, arranged to suit your taste. When it begins to dull or gets covered with dust it's time to refresh.

        Remembering where we want to go is half the battle. These simple little tricks to keep the journey front and center will keep you on the road. Big goals are easy to remember, but can seem daunting. Break your goals into small manageable steps to  maintain your momentum and don't forget to add congrats when you achieve them. Then create a new alter for the next leg of the journey.

        We set our intentions because we want to achieve them, but sometimes life happens and we lose our way. Creating a dream board or small altar takes very little time and is a map to your destination. Check it and renew it often and soon you will be right where you wanted to go. 

               blissings, amberspiral

        

3 for 3

     I don't wait until December 31st to make my New Years resolutions. I do it when the air gets chilly, snow is on the horizon and the chair by the woodstove becomes a favorite...right about now. By the time New Year's Eve rolls around I am so burnt out from all the holidays, visitors, over indulgences and the cold keeping me in, that I cannot think straight. At Halloween, summer is a close memory and my spring inspirations still feel doable, so I set my resolutions now. This gives me some structure to cope with the the cabin fever I will be feeling as the winter drags on.

       I always choose 3 intentions, because I know I will be able to accomplish at least one of them. Three is the number of our perception of time moving from the past through this moment towards the future.  It is the number of life, 2 come together and in union create a third. And it is the number of perfect balance as well.

      Anytime can be a good moment to hit the refresh button. If we are feeling stale, stuck or perhaps even a bit blue, a revitalized intention can provide the oomph that we need. That is why I resolve now.

      I love this time of the year, perfect goldilocks weather and the trees reveal their true colors. The holidays and the quiet introspective time of winter is approaching. Making Halloween resolutions gives me a head start...just what I need to keep me positive and productive.

      This year I hope I am 3 for 3!

                 blissings, amberspiral