A New Year: When Does It Truly Begin?
The calendar flips to January 1st, and society collectively agrees that a new year has begun. But does a new year genuinely start then, or when we consciously decide to embrace something new?
We live in a world saturated with negativity. The news constantly bombards us with conflict, disaster, and despair stories. It's easy to get caught up in the gloom and lose sight of the joy and hope that should define a new year. I challenge you to redefine what a "new year" means to you this year. It's about more than just a date on the calendar. It's about making a conscious choice to:
Identify and cultivate things to look forward to. What brings you joy? What are your goals and dreams?
Embrace change and new perspectives. Are you open to new ideas and ways of seeing the world?
How can you influence positive change in your own life and community?
Simplify your life. What truly matters to you? What can you eliminate from your life to reduce stress and increase happiness?
Become more mindful. Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Are they serving you? How can you cultivate more positive and intentional behaviours?
Just like our pets find joy in the simple things, we can find happiness in appreciating the small moments—a cup of coffee, watching an Oilers game, taking the dog out for a walk because these seemingly insignificant moments can accumulate to create a life filled with meaning and joy.
So, as we embark on this new year, let’s choose a new day to find hope and joy and live a truly meaningful life.
Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression is the first step to overcoming the problem.