New Beginnings

The New Year is here. For as long as I remember, this has been a time of resolutions, where I always declare I will lose weight, etc. This year, I want to do things differently. It’s time to greet the new year in with open arms. To welcome each new day in.

How does a person do this?

Be thankful

Be thankful for another day, for the ability to function and to breathe.

Strengths

Pull on strengths, not weaknesses. I know by declaring yet again that I need to lose weight, it isn’t going to help me lose it. Now I’m going to look at the positives. I didn’t eat that cookie, good for me! I was able to do 10, 20 or 30 minutes of exercise, that’s awesome. Document these strengths and we need to be okay with giving ourselves an attaboy for the accomplishments we made.

Find beauty

Look out the window and find something beautiful, amazing or entertaining to look at. This can bring such joy. I so enjoy seeing pets, birds, and squirrels.

Cleaning

Take a cleaning cloth to one room or even one half of a room. Enjoy that feeling of accomplishment. Do the same to the other side or another room tomorrow, do another each day. It doesn’t have to be big, it just needs to be something that can be done.

Crafts

Is there a craft project that you have wanted to do? Now is a great time and maybe invite a friend! There is such satisfaction in looking at something that we create.

Say hello

Do you see someone struggling on Facebook or maybe there is a friend who stands out in a positive way? Post a hello or other type of picture/saying on their page. That will make them feel better, and me/you too.

Healthier eating

Celebrate healthier eating and ways. Share the recipe on your Facebook page for others to try as well. Let yourself have a reward, maybe some type of dessert fruit?

Document your health

Be sure to look for the “okay” things that you are feeling, as well as everything else. Do start a note for things to discuss with your doctor at your next appointment. If you do this as things come up, they will not be forgotten. I put things in the Notes in my cell phone.

Take time for yourself

Make sure that there is some special “you” time. Maybe this is the time that you can watch a show you have wanted to see or get a massage. You know what is special for you.

Spend time with loved ones

Through this all, share time with a family member or a friend. This can be done in person or by phone. It’s important that we have people in our lives. This benefits not only us, but likely the other person as well. Imagine the things we can share with children about our lives and theirs.

Journal

Keep an everything journal. See the strengths. See the weaknesses. These positives can make such a difference giving me a functional life. These will be my new beginnings.

Happy New Year!