When the New Year comes, it is full of hopes. Many of us wait for the New Year to start a new life, establish new goals, make resolutions for different things... and many of us create resolution lists for the New Year.

We know that the notion of time simply relates to the rotation of our planet, still, it is interesting to see how individuals react when a new year starts.

Speaking of New Year's resolutions, have you noticed how frequently resolutions are simply forgotten a few weeks later into the New Year?

Often after a few weeks the list cannot be found, which signals our lack of commitment.

A New Year must have a special meaning.

Although time doesn't really end or start, the calendar convention has its importance in that it marks the beginning of a renewal period.

It's time to renew our habits and attitudes. Time to be more often with our family and to re-organize our work schedule.

Time to spend with our children, not only to ask about their homework, but also to actively engage in it by reading their writings attentively and paying attention to the teacher notes.

Time to spend with our children, not only the school holidays, but also during simple daily moments like a treat at a snack bar, a chat or a quick ice cream.

Sometimes time to just look at their faces smeared in chocolate and literally sinking in the ice cream.

Some other times to observe the hesitant steps of someone learning to walk.

How about some time to chat with those who are getting prepared to retreat themselves from this life in the coming months?

This is what it means to really live the New Year: to go out and hug friends, smile for the simple reason of smiling.

To live the New Year is also to exchange warm emails. It is to call someone just to say hello, wish them a safe trip or congratulate on their birthday.

You may make a resolution to eat fewer sweets or reduce the carbohydrates in your diet to either improve your life quality or simply lose weight.

You may also think of changing your looks by perhaps changing your hairstyle or whitening your teeth.

And last but not least, a check-up with your doctor, as health comes first.

But what is really important is to make resolutions for our souls.

For that, add to the list: study more,  read more, understand those around you, do volunteer work, happily help someone.

Surely, each one of you will have items to add to your lists, even if it is something as simple as changing your way to work, to home or to school.

Another more difficult item might be to think of our spouses first and not only of ourselves.

Most importantly, make sure you don't lose sight of your list and look at it several times during the New Year.

Remember to read it and recognize what you have achieved and what is to be achieved yet. Insist on it until you are successful.

May this New Year be full of  real achievements in your life!

Spiritist Moment Team
January 20.2009.