New year, new beginnings
Written by on January 13, 2014
Wishing you a bright new year
The dawn of a new year is traditionally a time when we take stock of our lives and resolve to do things differently. Whether it’s spending more time with our children, cutting back on unhealthy foods, giving up alcohol or learning a new skill, that’s the sentiment behind our New Year resolutions.
As we let go of the old year we move towards a new cycle that offers the tantalising prospect of new beginnings, limitless possibilities and the hope that the next twelve months will be better than those that have gone before. While there is no single ‘right time’ to evaluate your life, the symbolism attached to a new year makes it the ideal opportunity to pause and consider what is important in our lives and also think about aspects that aren’t working well.
If you’re struggling with unresolved issues that are preventing you enjoying life to the full now is an opportune time to address them. Perhaps you are struggling with relationship difficulties, lack confidence and self-esteem, or want to take active steps to recover from an abusive past. You may be facing health issues or experiencing a mid-life crisis that raises life’s big questions such as, “What gives me meaning and purpose? What do I want to be remembered for?”
As a qualified, experienced counsellor who has helped numerous people through a variety of difficulties, my wish this year is that instead of simply treading water we start living how we want to live. This means stopping the things we do that don’t feel right for us or that we do solely to please others. Although this may sound incredibly selfish, actually it is not. We transmit our mood to those around us and if we feel miserable and depressed, that is what we will pass on. Conversely, if we are happy and fulfilled, this is what will spread to those around us. In other words, we can literally spread good cheer.
The inspirational author Marianne Williamson expresses this sentiment well when she says: “We ask ourselves, ‘who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?… Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do…And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
So if you’ve been putting off tackling something that’s troubling you, make 2014 the year you finally resolve to deal with it. Life should be fully lived every second of the day – it is simply too precious to waste.
I wish you a wonderful new year full of the good things you wish for yourselves and your loved ones. Do get in touch if you are ready to make changes in your life and would like support on the journey. You can contact me by emailing or calling 07957 418 985.
Warm wishes
