Tamara – YES! I love “visioning” change through art and writing too.

Tamara – thanks so much for sharing your success in using a really flexible “structure” like a mantra, as a way to make changes in your life. This speaks to what I was saying about paying attention to your impulses to make healthy choices, rather than making a list of resolutions simply because it happens to be January 1st. I can’t stand resolutions because they just feel so stiff and confining. In 2013, like you, I was paying attention to what would be good for me, and as soon as I felt clear about what that would be, I pursued it. It sounds like having a mantra plays a similar function. I’d be curious what other sorts of “structures” people use for making positive changes other than resolutions.

All the best,
Amy

I don’t make New Years Resolutions any more – instead thinking that any change worth making is worth making when I notice there’s actually a need to change. Instead, I choose a single word – kind of like a mantra – to focus on for the year. Two years ago it was “yes” and last year it was “courage.” (I’m not sure yet what I’m focusing on in 2014.) Both “yes” and “courage” gave me enough focus and wiggle room to more consciously make the changes I wanted to make and seemed to serve me well.

Your post, though, has given me pause again to reconsider the possibilities for resolutions and has also served as a reminder that while the resolutions haven’t worked so well for me, you’ve obviously found that they have served you well. Growing your private practice and running your first half marathon! WHO-HOOOO! That’s awesome!

Wishing you much joy, health, and success in 2014!