ABC of Mental Health

Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health — one newsletter at a time. This week’s theme is resolutions. We bring it to your inbox this Thursday to make your Thursday a little therapeutic!  

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Three TherapyShorts by TST

Reflect and Set Intentions: Rather than focusing solely on specific outcomes, approach resolutions as an opportunity for self-reflection and setting meaningful intentions. Consider what aspects of your life align with your values and where you would like to see personal growth. By setting intentions, you create a guiding framework for your actions and decisions throughout the year, fostering a more holistic and purpose-driven approach to resolutions. Example: Instead of focusing on weight loss, set an intention to prioritize health. Commit to regular exercise and mindful eating, aligning with your values for long-term well-being.

Embrace Progress, Not Perfection: Understand that the journey of personal development is marked by progress, not perfection. Instead of setting unrealistic and rigid goals, allow yourself the space to learn, adapt, and grow. Celebrate small victories along the way, recognizing that each step forward contributes to your overall well-being and development. This perspective encourages a positive and sustainable approach to resolutions. Example: Instead of a rigid book-a-week goal, start with 15 minutes of daily reading. Celebrate consistency, recognizing that building a sustainable reading habit is more important than achieving a flawless record.

Cultivate Resilience: Recognize that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of any journey. Cultivate resilience by approaching resolutions with a mindset that embraces learning from experiences rather than viewing obstacles as failures. Resilience allows you to bounce back from setbacks, adjust your course if needed, and maintain a positive and forward-looking attitude throughout the resolution process. Example: When learning a new skill like playing an instrument, expect challenges. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, seek guidance, and celebrate small achievements on the journey to mastering the skill.

Two Quotes on Resilience and Resourcefulness:

J. Hawes, photographer and portrait painter, shares a strong message about the power of determination and resilience: 

“You may be whatever you resolve to be. Determine to be something in the world, and you will be something. “I cannot,” never accomplished anything; “I will try,” has wrought wonders.”

A Renaissance polymath, Sir Philip Sidney’s resolute words echo determination and resourcefulness: 

“Either I will find a way, or I will make one.”

One Relevant recommendation

Making Realistic New Years Resolutions (Video, 2018)

Kate Morton, a licensed therapist, author, and public speaker emphasizes creating daily, and weekly goals instead of yearly goals. She asserts that making the process of goal-setting slow and sustainable with the help of the SMART goals framework. Further, she highlights how all-or-nothing goals can prevent us from meeting our resolutions, and reminds us to write down our goals to absorb them and build accountability. This video recommendation is for anyone looking to begin the new year with goals to follow through. Atomic Habits (Book, 2018) 

Love and light,

The Social Therapist

PS: New year, new me?