I have had a difficult time writing resolutions for the New Year. It is difficult to tell where bipolar leaves off and the rest of the population appears. So, I have decided to make lists for both. Sometimes the things we do make no sense to us until after we’ve experienced it. So it is for New Year resolutions. I’m more apt to react to what wasn’t in the picture in the prior year and address them for the New Year than I am for birthing new ideas never before considered. In the present moment lies a truth all too often forgotten in the rush of life. The present moment is the only certainty. As you read the following lists, keep in mind no mind is the goal. Respond to life as it presents itself. Less will put you in the present. In that way you are less reactive and experience (focused) more. Besides, it’s a great way to avoid racing thoughts!
- Stay on my meds;
- Continue to pursue anger management solutions.
- Reduce my impatience responses; less irritability when interacting with others.
- Accept feedback from others regarding mood shifts, as necessary.
- Renew my commitment to maintaining structure in my life.
- Sleep for 7-8 hours per night; get enough sleep.
- Scrutinize my diet toward the goal of healthy nutrition.
- Pursue more public speaking to educate about mental illness & reduce stigma.
- Reduce and minimize ruminating – negative self-talk.
- Maintain and enhance living in the present.
- Accept what cannot be changed with less frustration and more acceptance.
- Spend more time with my family.
- Keep my priorities straight with family and loved ones: family first, work second.
- Pay attention to symptoms of burnout. Reduce them through recreation.
- Stay in touch with my feelings and moods.
- Do something for myself every day, including sharing with others.
New Year Resolutions for Everyone
- Learn something.
- Teach something.
- Listen openly.
- Ask for help.
- Address anxiety when it comes up.
- Maintain an attitude of gratitude.
- Let go of bad advice without rancor.
- Give more freely and frequently.
- Enjoy.
- Trust more.
- Hesitate less.
- Live more in the present.
2 comments:
Those sound like really good resolutions. I strive for many of the same ones. I find that if I succeed at some of them, like minimizing frustration, irritability, minimizing negative self-talk, etc, then my moods are not as bad.
I find that the hard part in minimizing negative self-talk is in recognizing that it is going on. Sometimes it seems that I don't realize what is going on until it has already changed my mood :(
Best wishes to you for 2010!
Dear Hotbrain:
Thank you for your comment.I can relate to what you say.In terms of recognizing negative self-talk, mindfulness meditation can help to recognize negative self-talk as it occurs.This can then put you in a position to catch it before it is at the point of changing your mood.It takes time to perfect but with practice, it can work.Meditation generally can help.
Donald Kern, MFT
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