Isn’t it amazing that if we stop to think about all that happened throughout the year of 2011, we actually wouldn’t be able to remember even half of it?! That’s totally ok. I mean, is already hard to remember all the facts that happened in the previous week, let alone in one year. At the end of the year, we’re induced to relieve the past year and refresh our memories for one day so we can forget all over again the next day. Year reviews have only one function: show us facts that we thought took place years ago, when actually they happened few months ago.

But if we think about it, what’s the point on looking back on the year? Will it make any difference? Unfortunately no. If we could change what happened in the past, there would be less suffering, but there’s no use to cry over spilled milk, right? That’s why I came to the following conclusion (I assure you it is quite obvious, but no one ever put into practice): live for today.

Today is what matters, the yesterday is already gone and tomorrow’s news. Today is the day that the sun shines on our faces, or that the rain wets our hairs. It is the here and now that makes us learn and want to live for tomorrow. The yesterday helps us get through today. And tomorrow it’s a surprise. It’s about time we learn how to live, I say this because 99% of people plan to live their lives to what they intend to do in the next month, therefore they forget that the day has only 24 hours and we don’t have time to think about what’s going to happen. We have to deal with what we’re living at the moment.

Start making you resolutions before the end of the year, like going to the gym, starting a new diet or quit smoking. Do not postpone actions that can be done right away, because let’s face it, we end up deferring them for the next day and the next day and so on. So, to take off this year let’s try living instead of planning. If you want to eat chocolate, eat it! If you feel like working out, go to that gym you walk by everyday and start exercising. Stop holding back those things that makes you happy. Do all of the things that pleases you.

Imagine if everyone did what they want to do, how many people would be living unhappy? Would there be so many stressed people around? Would there be so many complaints? I guess we’ll never know, but what we can do is simply change our routine. There’s no need to make everyday an extraordinary change, but simple things like going to a different restaurant or wear an outfit that’s been hidden in your closet for years, or even better, talk to someone you’ve always wanted. Small actions that make us live and grow at the same time.

I’ll leave you with something to think about. At least try and enjoy a little bit more each day, I assure you that at bedtime the feeling of fulfillment will be reflected in good hours of sleep. And Happy 2012! Just to keep some traditions…