By Tina L. O’Connor, LPC

‘Tis the season for new year’s resolutions.  In June of this year, managing goals were discussed.  The approach used was to think about our goals and areas we wanted to change in July; not waiting until December 31st to do so.  How did you do?

The holidays and a brand new year are two opportunities to make healthy commitments to ourselves.  In the midst of all the holiday chaos, take some time to think about what you accomplished this year.  And feel proud of yourself.  Then take some time to think about the changes you would like to make.

An issue I struggle with on a daily basis is I react to a situation instead of responding.  The commitment to myself in 2016. Is to respond instead of reacting.  To take some deep breaths, slow down, and count to 10 if I have to before I open my mouth to speak.  I know I will save myself quite a bit of stress.  The phrase, “respond versus react” is written in my calendar book.

Responding to a situation is not only about the things we say.  It is what we eat, purchase, spend money, manage our feelings, treat others, and take care of ourselves.  It’s not about dieting, organizing, or even exercising.  It’s about slowing down, taking each day as it comes, and accepting ourselves as we are.

Responding instead of reacting is reminding ourselves we are human and fallible.  Know that you are going to mess up, say the wrong thing, and forget to slow down.  It’s very important to forgive ourselves and let it go.  Pick yourself up and start again tomorrow.  Don’t give up.  Keep trying.  Ask for forgiveness.  Show yourself kindness.

This is the challenge: the habit (from last week) that you chose to break; start there.  Find the place of security within yourself.  Take the goal you want to accomplish in 2016 and break it down into more manageable parts.  As you accomplish each step, give yourself credit.

Before you know it, July 2016 is here, and you are well on your way of keeping the commitment you made.

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Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.

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Top photo credit: Happy New Year via photopin (license)