“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – R. Dahl

There is a palpable enchantment around the holiday season – an alluring and captivating charm that seems to bring out the best of human nature. People are genuinely a little kinder, more forgiving, and generous with their time and perspectives. It seems a sincere pity that this happens to us mostly at the end of the year. Wouldn’t it be brilliant to carry the light of the season into the new year – to retain that ebullient, breezy enthusiasm?

Below are seven magical intentions to set at the beginning of the calendar instead of the end, with the hope that you re-inspire your sense of vibrant anticipation of good things to come the whole year through.

7 Magical Intentions to Set at the Beginning of the Year

1. Look for Opportunity. Imagine the glittering possibility that this is your year. Pretend that all the years before have been leading you to now and wonder in the glory of that truth. This set of twelve months, of three hundred and sixty-five days is exactly the collection of hours and minutes you’ve been waiting for. Even when things don’t go your way, ignore the doubt and believe with confident assurance that your moment has arrived. Believing is the first step in the journey to the reality that awaits.
2. Chase Kindness. Pursue it closely! Don’t let it out of your sight. Wrap your attitude in affection and benevolence toward others. Don’t just try to see the good, name it! Give compliments with unabashed sincerity. Go out of your way to make someone’s day a little less gray. Even in the face of adversity, arm yourself with grace and compassion. In a world and a life where kindness does not reign supreme, be the sparkling, exceptional, exception.
3. Discover Something New. Make it a habit. Hike new trails, and breathe in nature’s secrets. Try a new workout and finally let all negative body images go. Learn a few words of a new language and use them. Seek new favorite foods … colors … phrases … places. Be brave enough to call a new friend and invite them to try a new hobby with you. Enough with, “someday.” NOW! If you’re a creature of routine, remember that everywhere had a first time and everyone had a first meeting. There is nothing new about trying something new … you’re rather an expert if you perceive it that way.
4. Let Go of Something Heavy. Whatever your mountain is … fear, worry, doubt, or shame, it is far too weighty and wearying on your spirit. Sometimes we feel that if we put down trouble, it will end up in someone else’s way. This simply isn’t true. Your freedom is not a stumbling block, it’s an inspiration. So precious, it is time to put it down. Unburden yourself and imagine the wings that will unfold once that strong back of yours is free. It is time to untether yourself and fly.
5. Allow for Pretend. Imagination is the key to a thousand different worlds. While reality demands and commands, pretend invites and encourages. Build. Dance. Plant. Mould. Dream. Create. Write. Move. Draw. Climb. Play. There are endless ways to bring a tangible presence to pretend in your life. And the most beautiful realization will be the times you wake up knowing that pretend has made memories that are now real. If you don’t know where to begin, ask a child … they know the way.
6. Walk with Hope. Let it be your companion. As January slides into February and resolutions and goals seem a little less shiny and attainable, continue on … imperfectly. Let imperfectly be enough. Be proud of yourself each day you accomplish what you set out to do, even if only by half. Have the integrity to admit that you are human, and that sometimes, admitting you’re “too tired,” is a strength, not a weakness. Be gentle with yourself and your ambitions. Give them reason to stay.
7. Fall into Wonder. Allow yourself to be amazed. Get lost in the colors of a sunset. Feel the majesty of a forest, the magnitude of a desert, or the endlessness of the ocean. Look up the wonders of the world and marvel at creation. Catalog wishes-come-true and prayers-answered. Never let busy replace awe. Never let, “have to,” replace, “get to.” Set your mind to astonished appreciation of the magical world around you, teeming with light and life and the irresistible chance that miracles await.

Elle Harris is a believer of impossible things. She is a lover of words, wonder, and the whimsical delights of everyday living. Caught in the creative place between reality and imagination is her favorite place to be. Please join Elle in pursuing life with intention, and grand conversation on her blog  thisquotablelife.wordpress.com. Find Elle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ElleHarris82.