A New Year, Let's Reflect!

By Kiara Tatum

It's a new year, and what usually happens at the beginning of the year is that people start to make new year's resolutions.  We feel that it's a time for new beginning, a time to start over, and a chance to make things better.  However, we still have Pulmonary Hypertension, and we still have a not so smooth journey ahead of us.  And a typical problem for everyone, regardless of chronic illness is that after a couple of months,--four months if your a little more dedicated--you stop working on your resolutions.  Going to the gym 3-4 times a week turns into paying for a membership that you never use.  I would tell you to throw away those resolutions; however, I know that they are important to us all and give us guidance over the next year.  What I would suggest is to look at some of these tips that may help you to accomplish those resolutions this year.

1. Reflect on last year.  Look at those resolutions that you developed last year, and give some positive and negative feedback to yourself: what worked well and what didn't work; did you learn or discover anything new about yourself?  Review the one's that you accomplished, and think about why those resolutions were accomplished.  Sometimes it's because they were realistic, clear, concise and rewarding.  Maybe those resolutions challenged and pushed you, but were within your limits to complete.  Then look at the resolutions that you didn't accomplish.  Were they unrealistic and too complex?  Were they too far beyond outside limits?
2. Know your strengths, weaknesses and limits.  I'm good putting together a lesson plan; however, I can't seem to keep my apartment organize.  I can walk two blocks without stopping; however, I can't do an hour Zumba workout. I can design a great calendar/schedule; however, I'm such a procrastinator that the schedule doesn't really help.  I'm sure over the years that you have discovered what your strengths are and what your weaknesses are as will as your limits.  So don't forget about them when creating resolutions.
3. Let go.  Sometimes we hold on to the past and that feeling we have no control over.  It's time to let go of it and move on.  If I'm holding on to the anger of having of PH, then I'm never going to be able to find out how much stronger I have become since my diagnosis.  Whatever has been said to you or done to you in the past; learn to forgive and let go.  Sometimes journaling about it the situation, writing a letter that you won't mail out, talking to person in an empty chair, or even crying it out can help you to release the feeling and finally let go of it.
4. Pick a word for the year.  It's a creative way to do New Year's resolutions, but with just one word.  This chosen word will be your focal point throughout the year, and it will guide you on your not so smooth journey. Read more at Create Write Now.  If my chosen word was Hope, then Hope will guide me throughout the year.  Whenever something seems to hard or challenging; I will remember to have hope and will get through it.

I hope this tips will help you through your New Year's Resolutions.  And remember just because it's a new year, and you have a fresh start; it doesn't mean that it will be an easy and smooth journey.  Throughout every year, we have our ups and downs, so just don't be too hard on yourself.  Learn from it and let go!  If you have tips you would like to share with others, please post in the comments.  Happy New Year!!!