I resolve to be kind to myself.

In so-called "success literature", much emphasis is placed on willpower. Certainly, the quality of will is important - but, in a process of developing of our will, we need to be careful not to become harsh and judgmental to ourselves and to others. Our true goal is not just successful accomplishment of certain projects, where our will becomes a great asset, but transformation into the image and likeness of Jesus. Let us always remember that He was gentle and kind. As we become more like Him in thoughts, feelings, and attitudes, we extend compassion to everything within our reach.

The whole Bible, not only some parts of it, speaks of inner realm of an individual, "the Kingdom within". Looking at how Jesus dealt with people, we may understand how our I AM, or the Christ identity within us, deals with outer aspects of our personality.

"When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd" (Matthew 9:36), says the gospel. When Christ within us sees any kind of disharmony, He is moved with compassion - just the way it was in Bible days. He neither condemns nor judges.

What Jesus did, being moved with compassion?
He healed the sick;
He feed the hungry;
He served the needy.

The same happens today. When Christ within us sees our needs, He is moved to bring forth the supply, which is always available. He serves us with gentleness and kindness. As He comes to us, He carries a healing balm for our wounds. There is no whip in His hands.

Christ within us knows that inner transformation is a long process, and He never expects us do something which we aren't ready to do yet. He is patient enough to follow through every stage of our growth, until we reach the full stature.

Christ is actively present in all of us - but it is up to us to make a choice whether we will work together with Him, or try to fix all our imperfections by ourselves.

Display Christ's attitudes toward yourself. That is the best gift you can give yourself in the coming year.
Take good care of yourself first. This will enable you to take good care of others.
Heal yourself, and multitudes around you will be healed.
Feed yourself, and multitudes around you will be fed.
Love yourself, and people will feel the energy of love flowing through you.

I resolve to be passionate and enthusiastic.

There are many people around us who have abundance of resources - but make no use of them, and, therefore, remain unfruitful and unfulfilled. There are others that seem to know all the secrets of the universe on how to experience abundant life, and yet make no visible progress.

Slowly, I came to the conclusion that it doesn't really matter how much we have and much we know. It is our motivation (or lack of it) that makes the difference in our life. A passion, a consuming desire, will open for us all the treasures of this world and God's Kingdom. On the other hand, people that lack passion, sooner or later loose what they have now.

Lack of passion and enthusiasm eventually leads to lack of achievements. "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm", said Emerson, and he was right. Zeal is a common characteristic of all outstanding performers. No matter of who or where we are in life, we are called to greatness, and the only way to manifest this greatness is to cultivate and nurture passion.

Let us be enthusiastic about what we are doing. Let us become self-motivated, and quit looking at others to encourage or to inspire us. "Be aglow and burning with the Spirit" (Romans 12:11, The Amplified Bible), wrote Paul. This means, the responsibility to maintain our enthusiasm is placed on us. And if we absolutely cannot make ourselves enthusiastic about our work, we better find another work!

No matter what are the details of our individual lives, there are universal principles that will work at any time, at any place, at any environment. By following them, we widely open the gates to success and happiness. As we step into the new year, I wish us all to prove from our experience that this is true.