Every twelve months, we come together with our friends and family to celebrate the New Year. And boy, do we know how to have a good time! But what is it that we're celebrating exactly? Something tells me there is more to it than growing a year older and getting to file our taxes once again. There must be a deeper meaning.

Something tells me that this holiday of ours revolves around change and progress. The tradition of making resolutions for the New Year is an excellent example of what the holiday stands for: an opportunity to make positive change in our lives, giving us hope for the future. Sadly, in just the first week of the New Year, as most of us return to our “daily grind”, hollow routines take hold and our hope for the future is accosted by the duties and errands of the present.

I suggest that this year, we do our best to hold on to those ideals by making a resolution to continue being hopeful and positive throughout the year. If we can but keep this simple resolution, the other changes we might like to make in our lives will come much more easily. Resolutions to stop smoking or lose weight, for example, are often given up before March! With a positive attitude, you're much more likely to succeed with your other resolutions.

To help you kick off the New Year with a brighter and more positive outlook, I recommend taking just a few minutes to watch this inspiring “Eyes Open” Meditation to help you relax and clear your mind. You will be guided to a peaceful inner solace where you can begin to look at your current life with openness and understanding, to acknowledge where you are today, to appreciate yourself and how far you have come, and to invite all of the future opportunities in your life throughout the New Year.

Meditation is an excellent tool for keeping you centered and focused on the big picture, even at times when all of the minutiae are bearing down on you. I think there is a common misconception shared by many people, that the only way to meditate is to sit cross-legged chanting oohm, but there are many different ways to meditate. Meditation can also be used for innumerable self-help purposes; it is not solely for achieving nirvana.

You can find many different kinds of guided meditations at Meditainment.com, for everything from peace and relaxation to overcoming fears, dealing with depression or anxiety, and even to stop smoking. They're very affordable and you can download them conveniently in several formats, for your computer, Ipod, or CD player. That website really has everything you need to help you keep a positive outlook and a balanced perspective throughout 2009, enabling you to achieve your goals and reach your true potential.

Don't leave that New Year’s Eve spirit of hope and change at the door when the party ends. This year, keep that spirit alive within you and appreciate all of the experiences and opportunities the year will bring!