New Year Resolutions? Or New Year Revolutions?
Here’s to you! You survived the holiday season
By Jennifer Keith, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
You did it. All those things you had in your calendar that you swore would be the end of you — you did them.
The spirit days, the extra work shifts, the shopping in crowded malls, the driving in potentially bad weather, the Secret Santa exchanges, the concerts, the wrapping, the cleaning — it got done.
You survived every single moment of every event, challenge, emotion, gift, and fear of this holiday season — of this YEAR!! The struggle and effort and sleepless nights and ribbons and bows and highs and lows have all come to end and there is only one thing left to do — sign up for a new HIIT workout and try to be better, right?
(Dramatic pause and eye roll)
Yes, you did all the things
Really? Who picked January 1st to be especially demanding of ourselves?
Did no one else see what just happened in December? All the things happened! The magic, the joy, the sadness, the toys, the meals spent together, the meals spent alone — you did that! You just spent an entire season reinforcing that you are strong and capable and able to handle hard things. You attended as many pageants and parties as you could, you made that intimidating dish, and you figured out how to put up those darn lights. The stockings were hung with colour-coordinated care, no one noticed the hole in your holiday sweater, and the elves’ explanation of their missed move was Oscar-worthy. You did it.
Whether you worked hard to afford that special gift, survived the day you dreaded missing a loved one, gracefully opened a sweater instead of an engagement ring, or were resourceful when the canned food drive took the can you needed for dinner, you did it. You handled that thing you said you wouldn’t be able to handle, you managed that party you spent months agonizing over, and you gave and received some really beautiful gifts. Perfectly or not, planned or unexpected, with bells on or dragged toes, you did all the things.
Keep yourself in mind when you sit down to reflect on what you want 2025 to look like!
— Stock image
“Let’s normalize taking a moment to celebrate all the things. When we acknowledge what went right, we focus attention on the patterns and skill sets that facilitate success and boost our confidence in creating more of it. .”
How to start 2025 strong
So how about we take a little time for self love before we focus on resolutions? Instead of making notes for the year that is unfolding how about we recap the things we did well and probably wouldn’t do much differently next time? Some pretty remarkable success came out of this season, and I’d like to start a petition to begin this new year by appreciating what IS before shifting focus to fixing what is not …
Here are some ideas for starting 2025 on a strong foot — a revamped spin on self improvement:
Normalize naps.
Update your playlists. Keep them playing.
Spend the gift card on yourself.
Make peace with leaving the tree up for a few extra days.
Eat the leftovers.
Acknowledge the speed in which you pick a Netflix show, not the number of episodes you enjoy.
Read a paper copy of something.
Leave the mess.
Call the friend.
Let’s normalize taking a moment to celebrate all the things. When we acknowledge what went right, we focus attention on the patterns and skill sets that facilitate success and boost our confidence in creating more of it. I challenge you to change the title of your list from New Year’s RESOLUTIONS to New Year’s REVOLUTIONS and take time to revel in what you have accomplished this year. Which new skills are you better at, who did you reconnect with, what did you read that inspired you to try something new? How have you grown as a person and which new interests are you planning to continue into 2025? Which positive memories have shaped who you are moving into the new year? What are you proud of? I challenge you to change your list this year. Let’s take a break from the resolutions and start a New Year’s Revolution of appreciation and self love. You did it. You have done all those hard things. You are so worthy of rest.
Take a break from being holiday warriors, you’ll need your strength for shoveling out your car soon enough!
If you are looking for a space to reflect on your past and tune in to how you want to feel this year, therapy can help! Connect with us for a free consultation to be matched with a therapist from our team.