How to Be True to Yourself for the New Year

With the end of 2007 and the New Year now upon us all, it is time to make those New Years' resolutions; which often we do not follow thru with. Common resolutions are often to lose weight, stop smoking, buy a house, or getting along better with family members. The best New Years Resolution is to finally be true to yourself. This involves being honest with yourself, pampering yourself, and doing something to enrich your life to find true meaning, purpose and happiness.

Discover your inner passion in life......This is the way to find meaning and happiness in life. What is your "Inner Passion"? Passion is defined as "intense enthusiasm: a strong liking or enthusiasm for a subject or activity" What do you like to do that makes you happy?

This is not necessarily what you do for a living or for money, but what brings you joy and to a different place when you do it? It is not only good for the heart; it is good for the soul. Physical and Emotional Health and Healing- this is what we all need more of in our lives of despair and destruction.

For me, my passion is to paint paintings of landscapes and florals, inspired by my garden and my favorite Master of Impressionism, Claude Monet.
In the spring, I enjoy creating hand painted wood crafts; such as birdhouses/ feeders, stools, trays, clay pots and even mirrors. I have discovered throughout the years that I have a natural talent, which should not be wasted. I am basically self-taught; and only took art classes in High School, and Art History in College.
I am now a freelance artist, and do gallery shows and art and craft fairs when I can, as well as commissioned paintings.

In this fast-paced world of ours, it is important for every individual to find some time for themselves, where you can relax; and do something for yourself. Something to enrich your life, something that makes you a better person. This may also be doing something for others like charity work, disaster relief or such.
Passion is that kind of quality that makes a person go on day after day; in the midst of our daily lives of work, family, and bills, and stress. It is also a great stress reliever!