At the end of each year, I do not create resolutions, but reflect on the previous year and think about what nourishes me and I want to continue into the upcoming year and I create a 1 sentence intention for the year. 

Here are the areas I reflect upon:

During the Past Year:
What activities, people, or pets brought you the most joy?
What books, movies or resources impacted your life?
What things were you most grateful for and how did they change you?
What were your sorrows, frustrations, or regrets and how did they impact you?
 
For the Coming Year:
How will you nourish yourself?  What activities, people or pets will assist you and how will you foster these relationships and create time for things that bring you joy?
What is no longer serving you in your life; how will you stop or limit this?
What is your purpose in life, and how will you share those gifts with others?
 
Set the Intention:
Using the information from above, create a simple sentence, which you can remember on a daily basis, which summarizes your intentions and desires for the upcoming year.  Remind yourself of this intention about rising each morning and reflect upon it at the end of each day.

“Until you practice surrender, the spiritual dimension is something you read about, talk about, get excited about, write books about, think about, believe in — or don’t, as the case may be. It makes no difference. Not until you surrender does it become a living reality in your life.” ~Eckhart Tolle

It is important to not only read and want to grow, but you must make these practices part of your life.  I was a controlling person, trying to control everything in my life to make everyone happy and I was a crazy woman.  One of the best lessons that I have learned in life is to surrender and go with the flow of life.  The day or event might not be what I had planned or envisioned, but if I go with the flow and surrender there is less strife and stress in my life and it usually was better than my vision.

In what ways do you surrender or try to control your life?