Starting fresh in the new year

Alexis Rae Baker

Dear Readers,

My resiliency has really been put to the test this year.

So many unanticipated things have happened. It’s been really hard to deal with, especially with a new baby. I want so much to give her a better life, but sometimes it just seems like every step we take to fix things just winds up putting my family right back in the same place with less hope for the next attempt.

Keeping hope alive has proven an arduous task, and I maintain hope that things will eventually work out for the best.

The New Year traditionally brings an opportunity to start anew, forget the pitfalls of last year, and rededicate ourselves to solving the problems ahead; however, embracing that opportunity tends to require a little bit of work.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar place, these tactics can help you take advantage of the New Year energy and start the year with renewed hope.

1. Focus on what you can control

There is always something that can improve your circumstances, even if it’s something simple like doing the dishes or writing down a checklist. Narrowing your focus on what you can do right now to improve your situation is immensely helpful.

Take a moment, ignore your misery, and take action. Take one step after another, and soon enough you’ll feel the momentum starting to shift toward a better circumstance.

2. Count your blessings

Gratitude is a powerful thing. Remembering what’s going right in your life can help shift your focus from the struggle of the moment.

I know how much you want things to be better right now, but change takes time, so instead focus on what is already good, let yourself relax, and soon enough you will be where you want to be.

The author Naomi Williams is often quoted lately as having said, "It is impossible to be grateful and depressed in the same moment."  

Often, writing a list is the most effective method for creating positive momentum with gratitude.  A good practice is to sit down and write five things you're grateful for, either once a day or daily plus whenever you start to get into a funk. 

3. Meditate

An oldie but goodie, meditation is a powerful tool. Since becoming a mom, I’ve found it extremely difficult to find meditation time, but the longer I go without meditating, the more I find myself annoyed and angry. Thankfully, my husband knows the value I place on meditation and when he senses trouble, he pulls me aside for a meditation session. Ideally, I’ll get back to regular meditation practice, but individual sessions do a lot to improve my mood, outlook on life, and motivation.

It’s not always easy to keep ourselves going. Sometimes things hit hard and fast and there’s little we can do but hold on and wait for the fall to end.

Sometimes, just knowing that the struggle will eventually be over can ease the pain you’re feeling in the moment.

The New Year means you are one step closer to finding your answers. By recognizing that, in conjunction with these techniques, you’ll soon find your solutions, your hope, and your peace once more.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Feel free to reach out and let me know about a time in your life when you went through something similar and what you did to get through it. If you’re struggling with something, feel free to reach out to me too and we’ll work together to find potential solutions.

Best of luck,

          ~ Lexis

Lexis is Alexis Rae Baker. She writes from her home in Olympia.   Got a question about life, relationships, spirit? Write to Lexis at  Lexis@theJOLTnews.com