01Jan

Sparks of Change—The Practical Side

As New Year’s approaches, I think about fireworks, parties and a brand new year. The New Year also sparks imagination in me.  I am not one to make “new year’s resolutions.” I tend to shy away from them because in general I have often found them to be quick fixes, short-sighted commitments or at the very least a trendy thing to do. 

I know that these types of resolutions work for some people. And I have seen people aggressively go after their new year’s resolutions and achieve success—even long term success at times. However, I tend to look at the New Year through different lenses. When January 1st rolls around each year, I use it is a starting point for my imagination. A spark, if you will.  As the New Year approaches, I try to start dreaming—or at least thinking mindfully—about the year ahead. For example, I may ask myself questions like: “who do I want to spend more time with, what do I want to do less of,  what have I done this past year that I enjoyed most, what is something I have been meaning to do but not gotten around to.” I try to spend focused time thinking and dreaming about multiple possibilities.

As I ponder such questions and January begins, I try not to rush my thoughts and ideas. That is another critique I have of New Year’s resolutions. I do not like the idea that I am supposed to know by January 1st what I need for the next few months or even year. Just because it is January 1st does not mean I am through considering what I need. I may not really know until March or even June and that is fine. Some years we are able to see more quickly what we want and need. Other years we are not. 

So, as January is about to begin I hope you will begin dreaming about the upcoming year. Don’t hurry to make any hard set resolutions. And don’t put limits on yourself about when you will decide what you are going to do. As the New Year unfolds, ask yourself some of these questions:

  1. What did I enjoy doing most last year?
  2. What would I like to have done less of last year?
  3. Who do I want to spend more time with/invest in this year?
  4. What is the state of my mental/emotional and physical health right now?
  5. What do I need to do to achieve optimum mental/emotional and physical health in 2019?
  6. What can I add and what can I subtract to feel more joyful, peaceful and whole in 2019?

I hope as you reflect on these questions and your imagination is sparked for 2019 that you will also make an appointment with one of our trained mental health clinicians. Whether you need more of a life coach or a clinical psychotherapist approach (or both!), a skilled Orlando therapist can provide the support and feedback you need as you explore your current wants and needs for 2019. Please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Yolanda Brailey