For the New Year
January 3, 2008 by brianrodgers
Instead of the old kind of New Year’s resolutions we used to make and break, let’s make some this year and really try to keep them.
1.Try not to imagine the future; take one day at a time.
2.Allow yourself time to cry, both alone and with your loved ones.
3.Don’t shut out other family members from your thoughts and feelings. Share these difficult times. You may all become closer for it.
4.Try to be realistic about your expectations of yourself, your spouse, other family members and friends. If each of us is unique and different, how can there be perfect understanding?
5.When a good day comes, relish it. Don’t feel guilty and don’t be discouraged because it doesn’t last. They will come again and multiply.
6.Take care of your health. Even though the mind might not care, a sick body will only compound your troubles. Drink lots of water, take stress-type vitamins, rest (even if you don’t sleep), and get moderate exercise. Help your body to heal as well as your mind.
7.Share your feelings with other compassionate friends and let them share with you. You will find that as you begin caring about the pain of others, you will start to come out of your shell – a very healthy sign.
I know that following these resolutions won’t be easy, but what has been? It is worth a try. There is nothing to lose and perhaps much to gain.
-Mary Ehmann
TCF, Valley Forge, PA
