And just like that, we’re nearly through the second month of 2022! As time tends to do, this year is already flying by, and we are now firmly in the month when 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. And while many folks are abandoning traditional resolutions (us included!) for habit building, intention setting, or taking a break from self-improvement culture, this time of year can still feel a bit like the doldrums, can’t it?
We’d like to offer a re-frame. While most of February is focused on displays of love for other people, we encourage you to turn some of that love and appreciation towards yourself. We tend to be quick to celebrate life’s milestones, productivity, and big wins. But taking care of our mental health is a steady and evolving process, one that should be celebrated too.
Start by taking some time to reflect on how far you have come and the work you have been doing. Be sure to include the little things like doing some Breathwork with Syd, going for a walk, or drinking some water; everything counts. Sometimes it can be hard to meet ourselves with love without that mean voice coming in to tell us we are not doing enough. But like most things, self-affirmation takes practice. Set aside at least 5 minutes to journal about these questions:
- What’s one thing that you’ve accomplished in the last month that you’re really proud of?
- What’s one thing that you love about yourself?
- What’s one habit, practice, or toolkit item that supports your mental health?
If you can come up with multiple examples of each, feel free to write them down. If just one example feels difficult, that’s okay too. Revisit this practice as often as you’d like to reflect on your progress.
Over time, these journal entries become a roadmap of your mental health journey, reminding you of how far you have come. Sometimes, when we’re in something for the long run, it can be hard to see the ways we’re moving towards our goals or supporting ourselves in new ways. Taking the time to pause, reflect, and give yourself some gratitude is important.
It can also be helpful to reflect on where our support practices and routines may be feeling a bit stale.Maybe you’d like to try a new meditation app, movement practice, or make some intentional space for journaling or creativity in your day. Maybe you want to find a therapist or group space to support you (We can help with that!). Let’s try a little accountability experiment, shall we? Pick one thing you’re committed to in this next month– not forever– just one month. We’ll check back in in the next newsletter to see how it’s going!
When we keep moving forward, celebrating our progress along the way, the small wins start to add up into big shifts. We’re here to celebrate you the whole way. You’re not alone. Keep going.
We’ll see you next month,
Carrie
