A Time to Do What Makes You Happy

We are now about two weeks into the new year. How are you doing on the goals you set for yourself? Are they working? Perhaps you need to set an intention for the year rather setting and reaching goals…

My intention for the year is to do more things that make me happy. I have spent too long worrying about the future and everything I do not have control over rather than enjoying what I do have. Doing more of that makes me happy is how I plan on making this year better than last. (I bought the sign in the picture at Home Goods!)

I know I am not the only one who has set New Years Resolutions and not gotten anywhere close to reaching them. Setting an intention for follow seems much more attainable for the season of life I am in, and maybe you will, too.

We are in the middle of winter, and it is very easy to spiral down the long thoughts of negative thinking. I keep finding myself on the top of the spiral. I can get myself to stop from spiraling, but I need to work on doing the opposite. How do we spiral up? Thinking more positive thoughts and getting to a place where a small spiral down keeps you in the positive realm. This is something I am working on.

One thing that helps me keep from spiraling down is allowing myself to feel and label my feelings. Another thing is using analogies to put what I am feeling into words. Labeling what feelings are helps you let them go. Having something to work on like a puzzle, a project, or a creative outlet helps along with taking a walk outside to get fresh air. Try one of these or something that you enjoy and you will find what works for you. Talking to a friend or family member is another great way to let out what you need to. The key is to do something.

Doing more of what makes you happy will help you keep on the positive end of the spiral of life. Having things to look forward to, plans with friends or plans to be alone are great ways to set yourself up for living in the positive side. We all have learned from this pandemic that things get canceled. It is time to stop letting the fear of cancelations keep us from planning for the future. Not everything will go perfectly, but we will never get to have happy times if we are continually paranoid of the worst.

Find a balance of the good times and the bad. Plans to look forward to and moments to be at home are both needed. To be the best version of yourself, you need to keep living doing what makes you happy rather than sitting on the side lines of your own life. Take one step today and you will be able to continue to heal as you take one step at a time.

My intention for this year does not have to be yours. If you are good at setting and achieving goals, go for it. If it isn’t working for you – figure out what will. Adapting to new seasons in life and adjusting what works is how we get through life. It is how we be our best selves.

Here’s to a new year of intentions to stay on the upwards spiral of positive thoughts, times, and things to do. – Em