Strategies to Support a Positive Start to the New Year
Happy New Year! Moving into a new year can feel refreshing and encourage us to reflect on the previous year and identify personal goals for the future. It’s normal to feel mixed emotions as a new year starts and it’s also okay not to have specific resolutions. You know yourself best and what feels right for your own personal growth. Remember, growth and healing aren’t linear and we can try to practice embracing both the ups and downs while trusting the process. Keeping this in mind, I’ve identified a few areas to support a positive start to 2023 if you’re interested in practicing them with me.
PAUSE AND REFLECT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR
Whenever there’s a transition, it can be a natural opportunity to take time to celebrate positive moments and practice gratitude. Sometimes the negatives can overshadow these moments and it’s easy to overlook your accomplishments. If you find yourself feeling stuck, ask yourself if there is an area that you feel more confident or comfortable in? Were there times where you pushed yourself a little more? Are you closer to something than when you started? Overall, everything can be viewed as a learning experience that can support future growth. These prompts are a good place to start when exploring the past and looking ahead. After reflecting, ask yourself if there is anything you would like to accomplish. If so, try by starting to break it down into smaller goals that feel more attainable.
AFFIRMATIONS
Daily affirmations are simple, yet effective, positive statements that can shift your mindset. It can be helpful to choose one each day to have readily available for yourself. Affirmations should focus on praise and encouragement. When you start practicing them, you are supporting your relationship with yourself and setting yourself up for success. Here are a few affirmations that resonated with me for the new year:
I am welcoming the new year with an open mind and open heart.
I am grateful for the new opportunities that are coming.
I have the power to create the life I desire.
I am growing and changing for the better.
I am worthy and capable.
VISION BOARDS
This is something that has become more popular recently that I also enjoy doing with clients. Vision boards are a collage of images of your goals, aspirations or dreams. It can be inspiring and motivating to have a visual representation to look at daily. If you like creative projects then vision boards are for you! First, think about what you want to happen this year and if there are any positive words, images or colors that are speaking to you. You can explore magazines or images online and then cut or arrange them digitally onto a blank paper or document. There is no right or wrong way to do them and it can be a fun way to incorporate your plans for the new year.
Whatever you choose, take some time to set your intention and check in with yourself. You have the power to decide what you want your year to look like. Finally, remember to hold yourself with compassion and kindness as you embark on your 2023 journey!
Please note: This blog post is intended for educational purposes and is meant to complement mental health services. It is not a substitute for therapy.