Spirituality

Whether you greet the New Year with a roar or with a meow, odds are that you've given more than passing thought to where your life stands now, and where you want it to lead.

But if you haven't taken a complete inventory of all aspects of your life and made a to-do list for the next year, no need to worry. We've asked an expert to suggest ways in which you can start or continue to put your house in order. After all, why let another year pass by before making changes that can improve your life right now?

A word of caution, though. As with any list of good intentions, some are easier than others. Set yourself up for success by choosing "resolutions" that are do-able for you right now and tackle them. Then pick some that you can visualize as long-term goals and work on them a bit at a time. Jot them down, tape them to your bathroom mirror, and keep them in your everyday consciousness. A year from now, take time to congratulate yourself on how much closer you are to living the life you want to live.

By Mary Friedel-Hunt, LCSW

• Spirituality has its foundation in awareness: in seeing who we are, how we act, what we value and what we believe. Take time this year to grow in this awareness and especially in the awareness of your goodness. That is the first step to a spiritual life.
• Gratitude is one of the secrets to happiness and peace. Focusing attention on all that you have is not only a good reminder but also assists in attracting more good into your life. We become magnets for good when we focus on it.
• One of the greatest obstacles to the development of a spiritual life is our attachment to past experiences that we allow to control our lives. This is the year to identify and resolve the yesterdays so you can live fully and thoroughly enjoy the todays.
• Solitude feeds our spiritual life. A quiet walk in the woods or a city park, watching the clouds, or just being still at home can renew and uplift you, put your pain in perspective and then remind you of your life purpose. Do this regularly in the year 2000.
• * Create your own personal space in a corner or in a room in your home. Fill it with your treasures-those things that remind you of who you really are. Light a candle and sit quietly in your space each day.