6 Ways Counselling Can Support Your New Year’s Resolutions
January 7, 2025
We often begin each new year frantically writing resolutions, trying to improve every aspect of our lives simultaneously. But what if we took a different approach this year? Instead of adding more to our plates, let’s start from zero and rebuild our priorities from scratch.
The Clean Slate
Take a moment to imagine your life as a blank canvas. No obligations, no commitments, no shoulds or musts. Just you and your deepest values. What would you choose to paint first?
For some, it might be family – those precious evening moments with children or weekly calls with parents. For others, it could be their mental health journey – finally prioritizing therapy or daily meditation. Maybe it’s nurturing those two or three friendships that truly feed your soul, rather than maintaining dozens of surface-level connections.
The Myth of Balance
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: we cannot balance everything, and pretending otherwise only leads to burnout. Every “yes” to one thing is inherently a “no” to something else. When we spread ourselves too thin, we don’t show up fully for anything or anyone – including ourselves.
Think of your energy like a garden with limited water. You can either give a little water to many plants, watching them all struggle to survive, or adequately nourish a few chosen ones and watch them thrive.
The Power of No
“No” is not a negative word – it’s a shield protecting your most valuable resource: time. Each time you decline a commitment that doesn’t align with your core priorities, you’re saying “yes” to what truly matters.
You don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting your time. “That doesn’t work for me” is a complete sentence. The momentary discomfort of saying no pales in comparison to the chronic stress of overcommitment.
Moving Forward
As you step into this new year, consider these questions:
– What activities genuinely energize you?
– Who are the people who make you feel most alive and understood?
– What dreams have you postponed because you’re “too busy”?
Start with these answers and build your life around them. Remember, you’re not just managing time – you’re curating your life experience. Make it count.
The greatest gift you can give yourself this year is permission to live according to your true priorities.
If you’re seeking to connect further or receive support for parenting, working with your mental health, Resetting Priorities for the New Year, or need other assistance, please reach out to us at 250-718-9291 or email us at info@okclinical.com.
For specialized services, our team is ready to help you explore our various counselling programs. You can also check out our General Counseling Services, learn about the Types of Therapy we offer, or visit our booking page here.
Written by: Kathryn Whatman, Practicum Student
