Season of Change

I’ve never understood the New Year’s Resolution. Yes it is a new year, which may seem like the perfect time for change, but it happens in the dead of winter - a time when our bodies are in a state of hibernation, rest, and reflection. Spring, on the other hand, is just around the corner and happens to be the season for change and possibilities. So as we sit here in limbo between reflection (winter) and change (spring), it is the perfect opportunity to dedicate a bit of time to developing your ideal plan for a renewed you this 2014.

This year I’d like to propose you challenge the idea of a New Year’s Resolution in favor of a new paradigm – the intention. In many cases, a New Year’s Resolution is a vague wish. Intentions, however, are the opposite and include a plan of action, vision, and specific end goal, which can be very effective. Try this:

1. Get clear on what you want. Jot down thoughts or draw pictures as they relate to your ideal vision for 2014. Then create a detailed plan for how you will achieve this vision.
2. Create a vision board by gathering images and words that pertain to your goal. Hang the collage in a spot where you’ll see it often.
3. Do something to make your desire happen. Think baby steps!

After you’ve set your intention, it is important to discover your motivation so that when you find yourself wanting to just go back to your old familiar habits or faced with setbacks that you can persevere. To find your motivation, ask yourself: what is it costing me not to take action? And make sure to look deep and think not just of the immediate consequences but keep asking “then what?” until you get to the bottom of it and tap into the emotions that come with the outcome. Ask yourself “then what?” at least 5 times and see where it takes you. When you get to the emotional root of the issue, you know you’ve found your true motivation, which will make you more eager to stick to your plan and work harder to accomplish your goal!

Next, I’d like you to label your setbacks and find support. What is preventing you from reaching your goal? Most likely your answer boils down to stress, which may manifest as frustration, fatigue, anxiety, or depression. Stress management can be approached holistically from many angles to improve concentration, energy, mood, and efficiency. Here are a few of my favorite stress-busters:

• ·      Sighing is a completely natural function. We are all born knowing how to sigh, can do it subconsciously, and it is the last thing we do before leaving out earthly bodies. Do this several times and you will begin to notice your breath naturally comes and goes like an ocean wave.
• ·      Exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise, releases endorphin, which is a feel-good hormone. It will take your mind off your stressors as well as your normal comfort “food” (whether that be fat, salt, sugar, or another crutch like caffeine, smoking, etc.).
• ·      Often the reason many of us are so stress is due to stifled creativity (self-expression). Our days are consumed by to do lists, habits, and structure that we rarely take the opportunity to create anything, be free or enjoy life. However, the freedom of creativity is awesome for relieving tensions, improving your health and boosting your mood.
• ·      Reducing your intake of sugar and other processed and refined foods helps eliminate blood sugar fluctuations, which lead to mood swings and anxiety.
• ·      Stay hydrated. A hydrated body removes toxins from the blood stream, prevents headaches, reduces fatigue, and helps the mind work more clearly.
• ·      Time spent in nature has been proven to have mental health, cognitive, and physical health benefits for both children and adults and it also helps develop important life skills and characteristics.
• ·      Essential oils are powerful aromatic liquid substances that are extracted from plants and have great medicinal properties. Look for uplifting citrus scents, calming chamomile and lavender, and invigorating mints.
• ·      Spending time with friends is excellent way to reduce stress and receive encouragement as you work to achieve your goals.

As you set your intentions, discover your motivations and support your growth process, don’t forget to include a plan to celebrate your achievement! And always remember, renewed moms are the best moms. Welcome to the season of possibilities!

* As published in Wise Mom, Spring 2014 Edition, Cover Story, Page 14. The Wise Mom is a quarterly, membership-based, digital magazine for the Holistic Moms Network, featuring articles from holistic healthcare practitioners and parenting experts. *