Out with the Old and in with the New [Year]

Is it just me, or does it feel as if the years continue getting shorter and shorter? January was derived from Janus who is the Roman god of gates and doorways. Janus was said to have 2 faces—one looking forward and the other backward. It is very appropriate for the New Year. Hopefully, we have looked back into 2018 and have seen our growth as well as our shortcomings. What are you most proud of in 2018? What did you accomplish? What made your heart smile? How did you meet goals and exceed expectations? How would you rate your relationships with your partner, child(ren), or other family members? What about you? How was your self-care? In looking forward into 2019, what do you need to do to live, enjoy life, and meet your goals? Is there someone you need to forgive? Remember forgiveness is about you, not the other person and it has nothing to do with forgetting. Are there regrets you need to acknowledge and then release? It’s hard to take a long journey with unneeded baggage. How are you able to receive all the possibilities and blessings of this new year with arms already full? Let this be the year of rekindled friendships, stronger relationships, improved parenting, and prioritized self-care. You are worth having all of these things! Where do you start?

1. Reach out to a therapist who can help you work on goals, work through past pain and grief, and dust off the tools in your toolbox to strengthen your relationships.
2. Take time daily to breathe, meditate, walk/run, and play.
3. Keep those date nights!
4. Prioritize family time without any electronics.
5. Phone a friend and write that note.