Congratulations! You just made it through one of the hardest years many of us have ever seen. 2020 will undoubtedly go down in history as a year like no other. For the first time in many of our lives, the world has seen drastic changes in their daily lives due to the upheaval COVID has caused. Well now that we made it to 2021, the next question is how do we stay positive this year and keep an open mind and attitude? Here are a few helpful tips to keep you headed in a positive direction for this year.
First and foremost, it is essential to stay present in the current moment. Often our heads are filled with chatter of things we have done in the past and things we need to do in the future. It is easy to get caught up in this whirl wind of what if’s and what may occur. It is essential that we all take the time to get grounded in the present moment and live just in this moment.
One way that you can do this is by tuning in to all of your senses. What do you currently see around you, what do you hear, do you notice any smells, can you feel the fabric of your clothes on your skin, is there a taste that is lingering in your mouth? When we use our senses, it helps keep us focused in the present moment which we can often lose sight of if our minds are wondering in past experiences or future expectations.
It is also important to surround yourself with positive people. It is essential to stay mindful of who you keep in your closest circles because people can have a very strong influence on your perception of the world and perception of yourself. If you are surrounded by negativity it is going to be difficult for that to not influence your mood and choices. When we surround ourselves with positive people they can help us in difficult times and be a excellent source of motivation to get you through the most turbulent times.
In addition, it is important to stay focused on what is working and all of the positive areas in your life. Sure 2020 was difficult, but without perseverance and hope, our outlook could be greatly diminished. We all made it to the other side of 2020 and are now in a new year that is filled with endless opportunities for positive change and growth. When we focus on what is working instead of what didn’t work, we can create momentum and the motivation needed to change things that were faulty and did not serve us well in the past.
In order to make the most out of 2021, it is essential to stay present, surround yourself with positive people and focus on how far you have come and all of the positive things that have and are occurring. Doing so should help keep you grounded and surrounded by positive people and situations that will help keep you motivated and on task for the brightest opportunities 2021 has to offer.
By: Amber Sanner, LMFT
