Less Resolutions, More Feelings: 3 Ways to Let the New Year be a Year of Change
The dust is settling from the holidays, and the first full week of the New Year has officially begun. I’ve been thinking and reading a lot about resolutions lately. I think resolutions are great, but also limiting.
So often, people resolve to go the gym 5 days a week, and start out strong, but stop by February.
I believe that small, consistent efforts through the entire year can be incredibly useful. After all, real and lasting change is often about a mindset shift.
What kind of shift are you looking for this year?
How would you like to feel? Set aside how you’d like to look, or how much money you’d like to make, at least for this moment – and focus on simply how you would like to feel.
Notice what words or images may come to mind. Let yourself finish this sentence - "This year I want to feel..."
Here are some of my thoughts about what might help you feel more grounded, happy, settled, energized, productive, etc in the new year.
Listen to what you need. Is your body asking for a nap on a rainy Sunday? (Mine sure was!) Do you really not want to go out late on Friday night? Give yourself permission to really listen to what you need, even if you feel it’s not what you “should” be doing.
Spend quality time alone. I’ve been thinking a lot about this, as a resident of New York City (aka “the city that never sleeps”). There’s a big difference between being alone and being lonely, which I think is tricky for some people.
It’s really okay to spend some time alone – curl up with a good book, take yourself to a museum you like, go for a long walk and explore a new neighborhood. Learning how to feel confident and gentle with yourself is so important, both for our own self-care and our relationships with others.
Try one new thing. Let it be as big or as small as you feel okay with. On Friday, I tried my first aerial yoga class – I really liked it, and will be going back soon. But it would have been just as okay if I hadn’t loved it, and decided never to return. It’s all about just being fully present in a brand-new experience.
Perhaps there’s a class or form of exercise you’d like to try, or you always order the same thing when you have Thai food, would love to learn to draw, or have never tried a chai latte. Pick one new thing, and just go for it!
I’d love to hear what new thing (be it food, class, or other!) you’ve tried or will try this month – leave me a comment below and let me know!
About the Author
Maya is a music therapist and psychotherapist in NYC and online throughout New York State. She specializes in helping women with anxiety, childhood/intergenerational trauma and those who are highly sensitive (HSP) feel good enough, learn how to express their feelings without overwhelm, and show up in calm and confident ways in their work and relationships.
If you’re interested in working with Maya, you can learn more here or schedule your free phone consultation here.
You don’t have to stay stuck - it’s time to reclaim your rhythm.