I’ve never been a New Year’s resolution kind of chick. For me, it feels forced. Instead, I always have short-term and long-term goals. UNTIL lately. I was looking back on the past year, and realized that my goals got lost in the chaos. This explains a lot. It explains my feelings of complacency, and there’s no one to blame but myself.
Last year was a struggle for everyone. I’ve always believed that no matter how hard the circumstances, it’s up to ME to choose how I REACT to them. I can choose to let the tough stuff win, or I can react to the tough stuff by letting it bounce off of my shield. My shield hasn’t been active, and that’s why I feel “not myself”.
The way I plan to improve my mental health in 2021, is to put my shield back up. Throughout my entire sobriety, wearing that shield has made it possible for me to remain positive and optimistic. These things are CRUCIAL for my mental health AND sobriety. Having a positive reaction to negative crap allows me to walk with a light step.
I know it’s possible, because like I said before… I did it for years with positive outcomes. Knowing that it works, I will begin to slowly integrate more positivity into my life. How I do this is a bit weird. I take time to notice things around me. I will study a building and think about all of the work that went into making it. I’ll stare a tree and count the leaves. I’ll look at the highway in front of me and think about all the manpower it took to create it. The list goes on and on. When I do this, I become grateful for the things I take for granted. Thus, giving me an overall appreciation for being alive.
I HAVE to keep my life simple, and noticing everyday stuff around me helps. There’s so much crap that isn’t necessary to absorb, and I am choosing not to absorb anything that affects me in a negative way. Thus why I’m putting my magical shield back to work. Walking with a light step allows me to help others, and I am excited to work my way back to that place.
Happy New Year to you! Don’t forget how appreciated you are, and keep kicking ass!
