New Year's Exercise

I can't believe it is New Year's Eve! 2015 has flown by. I'm going to do an exercise tonight with my family and I wanted to share it with all of you. It is really simple, but can be helpful in orienting you to the new year.

1. Get two pieces of paper.

2. On the first piece draw what 2015 meant to you - this can be a feeling, an experience, an image, anything really. Just draw and don't judge yourself. Draw whatever comes to you. Then, after it is done, just start describing what you see with words. Then make a short summary of 2015.

3. One the second piece of paper draw what you hope for 2016. Same directions as above in #2. Just draw without judgment. Then describe and finally summarize.

I'll post my #3 picture here tomorrow. If you'd like to join me, then you are welcome!

Bonus Tip: The new year can be a great time to make resolutions. These are great and fun to do. Here are a few ways you can make resolutions better:

1. Do not make them too easy or too hard. Ideally, goals should be like an upside down U. If they are too easy, then not challenging enough. If they are too hard, then they will be too frustrating. Think of a video game. They always make the next level hard enough, but not too hard. That is how you want to make goals.

2. Be easy on yourself if you don't make a mistake or relapse. Harm reduction is a very good idea to look at here. The important thing is to let go of mistakes and keep moving forward.

Happy New Year! Please have a wonderful, safe, and meaningful evening!