Happy New Year! This is certainly time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to what the new year will bring. It was definitely not a year without challenges, but that has offered opportunities to grow. I have really had the opportunity to learn how to put boundaries in place and to speak up for myself. This I believe is key in seeing improvement when you are chronically ill. Boundaries are much more important to health and well being when you are ill. I've done a good job at listening to myself and determining when something will expend too much energy or bring too much stress upon myself. Some of have lived with stress for such a long time that it is often difficult to see how it affects our health or how it can be a stumbling block to improvement. Saying "No" or setting limitations is imperative. Trust me, people will respect your boundaries if you firmly put them in place and do not make exceptions... and if they don't, then truly they are toxic to you anyway.
Finding your voice is part of setting boundaries... it requires that you speak up for your needs/wants. This one can be tough. I have found that I've been one of those individuals who has been agreeable most of my life... afraid to rock the boat and someone in there my voice became diminished. I've found that has been a huge dis-service to myself and to others. Speaking up for my needs is a number one priority for my continued improvement. Mind you, I've always seen myself as a strong, independent woman with her own opinions. Mostly that is true, but I found I haven't been as true to myself along the way at times and so... no more.
Looking to the new year, I know that I will see some real improvement in my health and as a result, other areas of my life will flourish as well. I know there will be challenges, but I look forward to the growth that results from any challenge and I will continue to set boundaries and use my voice.
As for resolutions, I'm not much on new year's resolutions. I believe is there is an area of your life that requires change, then I embrace that and take the steps necessary to make that change happen. Along the way, there may be struggle to make change, which is not an opportunity to be hard on yourself, it is a learning opportunity and time to figure out how to support yourself in a different way, so that change is possible.
So, lets embrace 2015 and all that it will bring our way. If you feel changes need to be made, set yourself up for success and when you struggle, know that you are human and be gentle with yourself. Get back up and know that change is possible, sometimes we just have to look at change from a different angle. Here's to wishing you success with whatever your hopes and dreams are!
Happy New Year!
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