A dyslexic new year.

‘Why would I make New Year’s Resolutions?” my friend asked. “They’ll just make me feel badly about myself.”

I loved his honesty, but as I thought about what he said I have realized that we have this whole New Year’s resolution thing all wrong.

Instead on taking on new resolutions, I think we should let some resolutions go. Instead of adding to our to-do list, I think we should cross things off. Instead of going forward, I think we should go back. As Mark Nepo suggests, we need to focus on un-learning rather than learning.

When I think back to when I was most at peace, most connected to the world around me and the one who created it, I think of when I was a young boy playing in my backyard with my dog. I was not worried about my future, nor hindered by my past. I just was, and the safety of the place and the company allowed me to be my true self (or as close to my true self as I was capable).

To me, going back to that place - finding that peace, rediscovering that little boy - is the spiritual journey I want to make this year. It is not about reading some new spiritual treatise, adopting some new practice, or making a new resolution. Instead of taking hold of anything new, I want to let go. Instead of holding something tight, I want to open my arms wide.

Call it a dyslexic New Year, but I believe it’s the way to go this year. I invite you to come along.