Let 2025 Be When You Connect More To Live Better

 Let 2025 Be When You Connect More To Live Better

--------------------from the books of Speaking Tree----written by Radhanath Swami a spiritual guru from ISKCON-----------------

 Every year, on the night of DECEMBER 31st, we welcome the new year with excitement. We also bid farewell to the year gone by. Each year teaches us lessons, things that went well, the right choices and mistakes we made, relationships gained and lost, successes and failures, and much more.

 Many a time we desire to make resolutions for the new year. Resolutions are made and often forgotten. It is seen that few people stick to their resolutions for up to six months, and very few see them through to the end.

 
Instead of repeating the usual patterns, adopting a new approach to the upcoming year can fill us with optimism. Let us focus on three simple aspects this year. Invest, Grow and Connect, IGC. Invest in meaningful relationships, grow in life through small yet consistent steps, and connect with Divinity. These simple actions can not only make our new year fulfilling but also impart a novel sense of joy.

Relationships bring both joy and stress. Investing in relationships is important. Studies say about 80% of personal stress stems from them. The imbalance between what is given and what is expected often leads to disappointment.

Technology helps us stay connected, but it has also made our relationships shallow. Endless scrolling often replaces moments that could have been spent with someone we care about. How developed through excessive usage of social media? Sometimes, we become so engrossed by technology that we fondly converse with people all over the globe without caring for our next-door neighbour.

Spending time with loved ones can fill life with deeper meaning. The year ahead is full of opportunities to invest in personal relationships that can bring inner satisfaction.

Rather than merely going through life, efforts could be made to grow through life. Growth happens quietly, in small steps. A part of our new year resolution could be to develop willingness to acknowledge our mistakes, to forgive and let go of trivial things that may often consume the mind. Life, much like a device, needs a source of power to function. Without connection often seem worthless and purposeless.

The Bhagwad Gita (5.29) mentions that the one who connects with the Supreme finds peace. Prayer, meditation, or even a simple moment of gratitude can fill our life with inner joy These practices may be small, but their impact is lasting. They offer clarity and fill our lives with a purpose.

Connection with Divinity also helps us navigate through life's challenges in a dignified manner. The Gita (2.70) gives a beautiful analogy of a person who is connected with the Supreme Source.. Since time immemorial, rivers have been pouring unlimited amounts of water into the ocean. Yet, the ocean doesn't over- flow; it remains calm. Similarly, a person who takes the time to connect with God becomes peaceful like the ocean.He is not affected by the multitude of difficulties, adversities, heartbreaks, or betrayals that life brings forth.

 Let us welcome this new year with positivity Let us be grateful for all that we have received. Let us strive to invest time in meaningful relationships, grow beyond our cocoons to become majestic birds soaring high in the sky By connecting with God, may we attain eternal peace and happiness.