As the new year begins, conversations often revolve around setting and sticking to New Year’s resolutions. While some people find these resolutions motivating and helpful for achieving their goals, they can also create unnecessary pressure and lead to disappointment if things don’t go as planned.
Rather than focusing on what you “should” do in the coming year — for example, “I should start exercising more” or “I should be more productive” — consider focusing your energy on the present moment.
This gentle shift is at the heart of mindfulness. Mindfulness invites us to engage with the present moment with curiosity, acceptance, and without judgment. It’s not about fixing anything or striving to be “better,” but about learning to connect with ourselves, our emotions, and others in a compassionate way.
By practicing mindfulness, we give ourselves permission to slow down, breathe, and simply be present.
Start small by choosing one or two mindful practices to weave into your daily routine. Pick activities you already do and set the intention to be present during those moments. For example:
Here’s to a mindful and meaningful new year!
Brooke Sanders is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, ADHD, and maternal mental health. She helps teens and adults improve their relationships with themselves and others by fostering understanding, compassion, and acceptance.
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