So much has happened this year and we have been bombarded with fear, anxiety, uncertainty and so much more..... How do we process this enormous and overwhelming amount of information and challenging experiences and have a calm and pleasant holiday. How do we gain a strong and resilient attitude to start 2021 with?
As hard as it may sound, this can be found by staying in the present moment. This is the true gift and the best present you can give yourself. This will allow you to let go of the past, which can only cause dis-ease and angst, and put aside thoughts of the future, which can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear. Can you change the past or control the future? You can’t, so the only thing we have is the present.
Your present moment may be filled with good thoughts or feelings, but it may not be. It is important to provide yourself some self-compassion, no matter what you are feeling. Acceptance and awareness are good tools to stay in the moment and be present to yourself.
As you give yourself some self-compassion and attempt to stay in the present moment, you may realize that giving to others can improve your feeling state and in turn, you may receive the benefit of peace and joy in these meaningful connections.
Give yourself The Real Present by:
Practice deep breathing exercises regularly
Regular physical exercise to clear the mind and increase that good feeling state
Engage with nature by walking in the woods, observing birds or the winter wonderland, stare at the ocean or a beautiful winter fire in your fireplace
Minimize watching the news
Read a life-giving book
Meditate
Be the observer of your thoughts and journal about them. Decide to change your negative thoughts to positive ones
Forgive yourself
Write a 2021 manifesto about yourself and what you did well this year, what you plan to do better next year and what you learned this year
Plan to offer help to someone in need or volunteer for a good cause
Use simple sights and sounds in the moment to ground you and help you be aware of the joy around you
Know you are unique and walking your own path without comparing yourself to others
Identify what you need to let go of to be more present and aware of the peace and joy that can be yours
Plan to be amazed by the small and simple things
Connect with loved ones
We hope this is a gift to you to take into 2021 to find more peace, joy, wellbeing and improved health. As patient advocates and health and wellness coaches, we use these practices regularly so that we can be filled and complete ourselves in order to serve you and the world.
Much hope and peace in 2021.