The New Year is upon us once again. I just love this time of year when so many people are focused on personal renewal and growth. I feel particularly attuned to these feelings this year, so I thought I would share my three resolutions for 2015. In forthcoming posts I will discuss the specific activities I am engaging in as I work through my goals.
1. Focus on supporting my physical well-being
Over the past year I have noticed that when life feels stressful, I tend to shift around the activities that support my physical well-being to last priority. I have also noticed I am in significantly more chronic pain. I cannot help but wonder if these two occurrences are connected.
It is about time that I start listening to my body.
I have identified several problem areas that are particularly important for me to concentrate on. They are as follows:
- Learn how to modify daily exercise to suit my body’s needs;
- Explore and repair my relationship with food;
- Improve muscular skeletal support, particularly for my back and shoulders;
- Build overall stamina, endurance and breathing capacity;
- Ensure enough time for quality sleep and restoration;
- Understand how I can protect my body from the physical effects of stress
Moving forward, I want to ensure that I carve out time in my schedule, adjust my daily habits and commit to these changes.
2. Focus on being present in “the now”
My second resolution largely compliments the first by centering on my mind. I’ve noticed over this past year that I have to work harder to concentrate on the present moment and I often find my mind wandering.
Part of being present in “the now” is being able to act in “the now”.
I can admit that I frequently feel uneasy making decisions. I second guess myself and prefer to think and ponder before taking action. Though I would not generally characterize being purposeful as negative, over thinking can cause me to procrastinate and sometimes to falter over making a decision at all.
Moving forward, I want to learn how to be more mindful of the present moment and confident in making decisions.
3. Focus on establishing and maintaining positive connections
My last resolution is about cultivating connections. The past year has reinforced for me that despite my introverted nature, I very much love working with and learning from people. I especially appreciate and admire those individuals in my life who know how to really listen. You know the ones; they take a genuine and curious interest in what you are telling them instead of simply waiting for their turn to talk.
I feel like I once was a very good listener. Maybe I still am, though I feel completely and totally out of practice.
Moving forward, I want to make a conscious effort to positively connect with people and maintain those connections through active listening.
I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year and I look forward to what this year has in store for us :)
Sarah Elizabeth McMillan 