Meghan Lemery Fritz Gives Good Adive

What’s Your Word?

Setting Solid Intentions in the New Year

MEGHAN LEMERY FRITZ LCSW-R

Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email meghanlfritz@gmail.com

As we settle into a New Year full of renewed hope, resolutions, and goals it’s easy to lose steam and energy in honoring your new intentions. Whether you want better health, peace in your relationships or greater abundance in every area of your life, the gray days and cold temperatures can hinder our outlook and the energy we have in everyday life. One of the best ways to be consistent and to approach each day with clarity and purpose is to pick a word that reflects what you want more of in 2021. Some examples would be peace, acceptance, mindfulness, present, energy, health and/or self-worth. Once you decide what this word is for you, take some time and look up all the synonyms to the word you chose. For example, if the word is WORTHY, and the intention is that for the new year you want to have a greater sense of worth in every-day life you would then look up the synonyms to that word.

• admirable • decent • deserving • desirable • excellent • honest • laudable • noble • reliable • satisfying • true • trustworthy • valuable • worthwhile Take some time to reflect on these words, the meaning and how they make you feel. Write them down on an index card that you can carry with you and look at the list of words throughout the day. If you struggle with believing you are worthy of good things, then it’s important to take the time to reprogram your brain to recognize what it means to have a deeper sense of self-worth. Think of this exercise as a way to treat a computer virus. When you consistently download these words into your consciousness you are treating the virus of unworthiness. This simple exercise can help you set the stage for success in the New Year and help you to let go of old patterns and words that no longer serve you such as, disappointment, regret, exhaustion and hopelessness. Take some time today to think about what you want your word to be and then explore the meaning and synonyms of your word in a deeper way. Side effects are greater peace, renewed energy and mindfulness. You are worth it. SS