Gratitude: Mid-Year New Year Resolution Check-In

Every year I say the same thing and I act surprised each time - how is it June already?! We’re half way through the year and I thought it would be fun to re-examine some of my new year resolutions to 1) remind me of what those were lol and 2) to see if I’ve made any headway into smashing those goals. In reviewing my goals, I was surprised to see that some of these were accomplished organically and that there were some that I definitely had to be mindful of to get them done. This year, I put a lot of focus on practicing gratitude. I know that I, as well as many of you, can get into the habit of being on autopilot and just going through the day without being mindful. I did not want to make this my norm and so one of my new year resolutions was to take 5 minutes before the start of my day to practice gratitude and positivity by reflecting on the past 24 hours and highlighting moments that made me smile or allowed me to be grateful for the blessings in my life. I love to encourage my clients to do the same and enjoy it more when they bring their reflections to therapy and share what they have experienced. I went through my gratitude journal and picked out a few to share that made me smile or even laugh.

Here is a peak into the gratitude journal of a therapist, half a year into her new year resolution

1) Finding the perfect show to watch during my lunch break - I was referring to “Only Murders in the Building” which I became obsessed with right out of the gates. I cannot wait for Season 2

2) Looking forward to using my new markers - I love using my white board in session, which means it’s only natural that I get excited for new, crisp dry erase markers

3) Having down time for art - This year, my friend and I decided to have weekly art sessions after work where we would hop on a Zoom call, bring out our art supplies, draw, and gab with dinner. It was such a welcoming break to the week and a great opportunity for me to connect with a friend and allowing space for creativity. I am happy to report that we were pretty solid with this for a few months before life got in the way again. I look forward to resuming after the summer months! I learned that breaking your week into parts also helps with avoiding feelings like you’re waiting around for the weekend to engage in your hobbies. It was a welcomed way to break out of how mundane life was beginning to feel.

4) Trimming flowers - Fresh flowers are now a staple item in my home - they just make the place feel so homey! More than admiring flowers, I love taking the time to trim and arrange them in my flower vase. It’s just a great mindful experience for me.

5) Knowing that someone will always check in on me - Being a therapist, my whole world centers around making sure everyone around me is in a good place, or at least working towards it. Sometimes we forget that we also need that same care. I’m not sure what prompted this item to appear on my gratitude list, but it must’ve been a text where someone checked in to see how I’ve been doing and knowing that if I need something, they will be there.

6) Witnessing progress in therapy - Therapy is hard work! It’s so satisfying seeing clients make progress and being able to witness their growth. These are such special moments that I will never take for granted.

7) Strength with Kyle - This one is a frequent entry. Any Apple Fitness + users out there? If so, you know who Kyle Ardill is. Kyle has some of the best strength training workouts that has you dripping with sweat after an intense 30-minute workout. I am always cursing him during the workout but so grateful for him afterwards. I low key have anxiety prior to starting his workouts because I know how grueling they are, but I always finish feeling accomplished.

8) Having insightful reflective time - Practicing what I preach, early in the year, I have taken on to journaling consistently. I enjoyed arranging my Sundays so that I can cozy up with a warm cup of coffee, light some candles, sit in my favourite spot and just let my mind flow with my thoughts. I enjoyed being able to free my mind and to make sense of my thoughts and reality as I was experiencing them. So therapeutic.

The activity of practicing gratitude takes no more than 3 minutes in my day, but I find that it makes such a huge difference in the way I perceive life. It’s no longer about to doom and gloom about the day ahead, but the excitement in wondering what new experience this day holds that I can see positivity or what new lesson I will learn. It helps me keep my mind open, heart strong, and curious about the days ahead.

What are you grateful for?