Healthy Living for the Soul

New Year, New You, New Focus

How do you see yourself in 2022? What if you could create a new focus by simply changing your mind and attitude? Picture this! That’s right; you can create a new picture of what you desire. Has setting New Year’s Resolutions become cliché? Allow that thought to diminish as you focus on changing your mind and changing yourself. Remember each sunrise comes with an opportunity for change, acceptance, and transformation.

How do you see yourself in 2022? What if you could create a new focus by simply changing your mind and attitude? Picture this! That’s right; you can create a new picture of what you desire. Has setting New Year’s Resolutions become cliché? Allow that thought to diminish as you focus on changing your mind and changing yourself. Remember each sunrise comes with an opportunity for change, acceptance, and transformation.

Have you created a vision board? This is a perfect time to make one. Stroll through old magazines, clip images and lettering that attract you. Changing your food intake is part of your transformation plan? Clip foods that fit your new outlook. Cut out images of people on the move walking, biking, surfing, kayaking or gardening. Picture any activities you aspire to continue or add to your experience. Play with this process. Visit the school supply section at the market; pick up glue sticks, glitter, and colorful markers. Have fun! Recycle a gift box for the base of the vision board. Make it 3D! Prefer an online tech activity? Search for vision boards projects. Yes, there is an App for that, like, Perfectly Happy Vision Board. Visit www.developgoodhabits.com for multiple on line vision board apps. Pick the new you project that fits your interest and lifestyle.

Why not create a list of positive affirmations to write in the spaces of your vision board or pick up some colorful index cards and/or post-it notes to write your new you, new focus, New Year affirmations. Here are a few for inspiration:

• I am eager and welcome new experiences.

• This year brings me joy in unexpected ways.

• I am vibrant, alive, and fully present in all I do.

• My health is my priority; I do the things that nurture my body and my well-being.

• In the present moment, I feel joy, peace, and gratitude for my life.

• I am releasing the old and making room for the new.

• I seek fun activities and uplifting people in my life.

• When I need support, I find it.

• My vision is clear and I am eager for this New Year.

Remember to affirm the positive in your life, avoid negative words like: don’t, hate, have to, shouldn’t or even should. Keep the affirmations in a place of peace, joy and in the present so that they affirm and align with your new focus. Surround yourself with activities and people that support and enhance your intentions.

Years ago, I had a counselor say to me, “I am only telling you what I need to hear.” Believe me, that is exactly what I am doing with these suggestions. Be gentle with yourself. Avoid setting lofty and unreachable goals or resolutions. Instead, focus on right now, present moment mindfulness. I am not saying goals are bad, but in looking toward them, sometimes we miss the bliss of the now.

Happy, healthy living for your soul in this New Year.

Cheryl Floyd, Speaker/Storyteller and Heal your Life® Coach. Cheryl Floyd is a graduate of East Tennessee State University’s Master Storytelling program. Her career includes over thirty years in education, publishing, life coaching, public speaking, and storytelling. www.cherylfloyd.com