A Unique Approach To New Year's Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions often come from a desire to change or improve ourselves in some way that will make us feel better about ourselves and our lives. Without realizing it, we can activate feelings of overwhelm, shame, guilt, and even a familiar sense of failure (is this the same resolution from last year?). It’s no wonder those resolutions can be hard to sustain and achieve.

Rather than pushing for big change, I invite you to move gently and tend to yourself with compassion.

Lasting change is more possible when we feel heard, safe, secure, supported, and loved. This creates a sense of safety and trust within ourselves and in our relationships with others.

Simple Strategies to Support Yourself This January:

·  Invite joy into your daily life. Identify what brings you joy and make space for it daily, even in small ways.

·  Use gentle affirmations.
“I lovingly invite positive change into my life.”
“I choose loving attention toward myself in my thoughts, actions, and choices.”

Hold these affirmations with a soft, open focus. There is no striving here, no battle of wills; only openness to what wants to unfold.

·  Take small steps. Focus on what feels doable. Consistency matters far more than intensity.

·  Create rhythm, not rigidity. A loose daily routine can offer grounding without feeling restrictive.

·  Listen to your body. Fatigue, tension, and low mood are signals—not failures. Rest when needed. It really is okay.

·  Soften self-criticism. Notice your inner dialogue and practice speaking to yourself as you would to a close friend.

·  Stay connected. Even brief moments of connection—texts, walks, or shared laughter—nourish emotional well-being.

·  Build moments of calm. Relaxation, visualization, slow breathing, or time in nature can gently reset your nervous system.

·  Practice daily reflection. I’ve included a link to a simple daily reflection exercise. I encourage you to complete one each day throughout January.

When we develop deep self-care, many physiological changes happen within us.  Research shows that six weeks of mindfulness meditation and self-care begin to shrink the amygdala, the brain’s fear and stress center. As a result, we become less reactive, which leads to lower levels of cortisol and adrenaline in the body. Reducing these stress hormones offers the following benefits:

·       mental clarity, we can access our prefrontal cortex to problem solve.

·       emotional balance

·       immune function

·       blood pressure, and metabolism

·       reduced inflammation

·       better weight management

·       improved sleep

·       lower risks of chronic diseases like heart issues and diabetes

Sometimes what feels like a sore spot is simply an invitation, a gentle beckoning, to look more deeply at other areas of our lives that are calling for care and attention.  Felt Sense Prayer

Let this year be about coming home to yourself; one steady, supportive moment at a time, and trust that the rest may unfold naturally, like a gentle cascade of wondrous, positive change that carries you far beyond any original resolution.

DAILY REFLECTION

Date:  _______________________

**NOTE:  A success can be anything you did. You can list or write sentences in the space provided.         

My SUCCESSES today were:  (List at least 3)

How did I create JOY today?

How was I aware of myself today?  What did I learn?

What positive choices did I make today?  How did I feel about this?

Where did I experience frustration today? What techniques did I use to address any upset feelings?  (Breath work, exercise, walk in nature, mantra, talking it out )

How was I kind to myself?  What activity did I do that made me happy?