Take a few moments to reflect on 2021
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/01/2022 (512 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
As challenging as 2021 has been for many of us, as I reflect on lastast year I have realized I actually have a lot to be thankful for and that I am proud of myself for making a few small (but definitely significant) changes that have helped me through these difficult times.
I would like to share a few of these here with you, not to be boastful but rather to encourage each of us to look back on the year and identify at least one or two successes, whether they were major goals, an outstanding task finally accomplished, or simply adding a new and healthy habit into your everyday life.
Here are few of mine:
• Developing a regular practice of gratitude and meditation — This was one of my first attempts at self-improvement this year and it quickly became an integral part of my daily routine. At minimum, I always try to meditate first thing in the morning when I wake up and then again just before I go to sleep. I also created a personal gratitude journal so I could write down everything I was thankful for, no matter how seemingly small or inconsequential. Making these activities a daily habit has significantly improved my overall mood and ability to handle day-to-day stressors.
• Listening to affirmations — I have to admit, I felt rather silly listening to and repeating phrases such as “I am a worthy person” and “Today I will have a good day” while emptying the dishwasher or doing laundry. Remarkably however, over time these positive words start to replace old thought patterns of self-blame and criticism.
• Becoming a runner — If you had told me 12 months ago that I would now be regularly running five to eight kilometres several times a week I would have laughed in disbelief. This is easily the achievement I’m most proud of because succeeding at this has taught me that I am truly capable of doing anything I set my mind to.
While these accomplishments might not seem like a big deal to some people, they made a huge impact on my life and they are therefore meaningful to me. As a new year dawns, take a few minutes to consider what you accomplished this year, even if it’s just the fact that you made it to 2022.
And feel proud — you deserve it!
Heather Innis is a community correspondent for Windsor Park. You can contact her at htiede@gmail.com
Heather Innis
Windsor Park community correspondent
Heather Innis is a community correspondent for Windsor Park.