New Years' is a holiday that is loaded with many expectations and dreams that the next year would include raises in financial status, losing 10 pounds, fixing relationships, maintaining recovery, etc.
New Years' is a time when many people go to counseling to "start on the right foot" and "get things fixed". I think this is great but is sometimes not sustainable.
Looking to make sustainable changes is what could make this year different for you. Looking into the type of person you wish to be in 6 months (or 12 months or 5 years) from now, starts with a self-inventory: where am I, how am I doing?
Healthy people in this season will not shame themselves for the missed opportunities, their current state, or the problems that are still around from last year's resolution.
Healthy people in this season will focus on what can happen, versus what they feel pressure or discomfort to change.
Healthy people in this season will find more information about the changes they want to make. They will seek out people who have made the changes they wish to make and talk to them about best practices. They will read books. They will try out the change and learn from what it feels like.
Healthy people in this season will reflect with kindness, respect, and appreciation for all that they have survived through in 2020 and seek to find ways to express this kind appreciation to themselves and others which will fuel their next endeavors.
Don’t get caught up in the hubbub of diets that come from body shame. Don't lose sight of what you have worked through and conquered in 2020. Press into what you did right, crushed, and see how you can translate these victories to your next change process. Make efforts to find sustainable change that will not reduce you to stuck and shameful feelings by Valentine's Day.
Too Long/Didn’t Read: Sustainable changes start with Self-inventory, motivations, and Self-kindness NOT shame, guilt or anger expressed towards Self.
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Disclaimer: Grayson’s credentials are noted in the footer below. This blog post is not intended to replace therapy or counseling services. While this post may represent psychoeducational content that brings clarity or helps you personally, Grayson encourages you to process your findings and concerns with your mental health counselor and/or other trusted people in your life. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about the content of this post, or want to start counseling please contact Grayson directly.
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