Loving Your Way to Your New Years Resolutions

As we approach the end of January, our excitement for the New Year begins to fade and those habits we wanted to change begin to crowd out our new desired behaviors we swore we were going to stick with this year.

The New Year can allow us to feel rejuvenated, reinvigorated and excited about what’s to come, but for one reason or another, our habits and patterns remind us again that they make up our lives.

Many of us feel frustrated and beat ourselves up for not being able to follow through and often our life goes back just to the way it was a year ago with one more added layer of frustration toward ourselves on top…, but, maybe this year we can try something different. Maybe we can take this opportunity to challenge ourselves to do it differently. We can notice this reoccurring pattern, and we can do something different to interrupt it.

Frustration can be a useful and motivational emotion if we use it to fuel inspiration and action, but many of us take the frustration and use it as fuel to beat ourselves up, prove ourselves “right”, and tear ourselves down. Let’s see if we can use frustration for good this year.

When we notice frustration and deflation sinking in, take notice. Sit with those feelings and breathe your way through them. Notice what you are saying to yourself. Take note of what you are seeing, and notice how you feel. During these moments, while you are noticing, ask, “Am I being kind and encouraging to myself? How might I take one small action right now to change this situation or progress toward my goals? Is this action loving and kind to myself?”

Many of our goals today include starvation, heavy restriction, and forceful action, which all come from a place of scarcity, fear, and lack. This year, let’s ask, “How can we transform these goals into coming from a place of abundance?” Perhaps instead of “I want to lose weight?” We can think about it in ways of what we want to bring into our lives rather than getting rid of. Maybe you want to feel great, create strength and flexibility, or find ways to nourish and nurture yourself.

Maybe this year we can try it differently. Focusing on small daily actions that are loving to yourself to stay the course. Ask yourself exactly that to understand if the action is loving and be willing to listen to the response and adjust as needed. As you are listening, notice the messages you are receiving. If you’re telling yourself that you can’t or don’t want to continue, ask what action might get you there. You can still reach your goal, but perhaps alter the path to get there in a way that supports your truest self.

Use this little process for growth of Curiosity, Courage and Compassion to help move through frustration and allow it to fuel you rather than put your fire out. You and you’re well-being are worth it!

If you’re looking for a tool to supplement your self-care get your 40 Self-Care practices in less than ten minutes guide.

Watch out for the 7-day self-care discovery guide and challenge coming soon!