New Year Reflections: Mental Health Messages, Health Resolutions, and Journaling Prompts

lifestyle mindset Jan 15, 2023

Yes, it’s taken me 2 weeks to reflect and write.

Life has felt rather hectic recently so it was important for me to step back and let things unfold without putting any pressure on myself. And that’s actually what a lot of my reflections for the new year have been about - self-compassion and being my own best friend.

I was in a new moon circle last week and one of my big takeaways was about the pressure we put on ourselves being so unnecessary. We get pressure from outside sources - people, work, bosses, traffic, etc… - all the time. There is no need to be doing that to ourselves.

Of course, I only arrived at that takeaway after following a journal prompt about my “dream life” and realized that I do all of these things all the time already. I had to laugh out loud because for some reason, I was still “dreaming” about it rather than letting what I’m already doing be enough.

No less than a week before that, on January 1, I had a panic attack that put me in the hospital. It was a complete body-based experience. My mind felt right. I find happiness in my days. I go to therapy. I journal, meditate, practice yoga, read, exercise, get into nature. I feed my body nutrient-dense food. I hydrate and sleep a good amount. Overall I feel confident in my health and fitness. Yet my body still took over and said “Sit down and listen. Something is not right and we are not doing that again this year.”

What a start to 2023, right?

I’m actually grateful. Crazy, I know, but hear me out…

We can do things for ourselves every day, and that’s great. However, if we’re just crossing things off a list, what’s the real impact those things are having on you and your health? What’s the intention behind them? Where’s the connection and relevance to you and your life?

It’s easy to get swept away in the monotony of life. When we’re on autopilot, there’s a missing link that’s deeper, hidden under the surface. Our bodies hold onto those things if they aren’t expressed. And then they can manifest physically. For me, as a panic attack.

Our symptoms are our greatest teachers. We need to let them teach us, though.

I often talk about peeling back layers, like an onion. How can you pull back what’s on the physical layer for you, and dig just a little deeper? What emotions are under the physical manifestations?

Personally, I have been running away from conflict for a while now. I’ve been avoiding hard conversations and dealing with stressful relationships because “I don’t have time for that right now.” I’m on a mission to help people. Now is not the time to slow down and get into my emotions

Lol… sighhhh.

It’s in the integration where real growth occurs. Sure, we can sit around talking about changing the world, being better people, setting boundaries and overcoming obstacles. But how are we then bringing these conversations into practice in our lives?

Truthfully, I’ve never felt more connected to my body than I have in the past 2 weeks since the anxiety took over. It really sucks, still having to now face things that I’ve been avoiding. And that’s okay. Our challenges can help keep us present. Without them, we may still be stuck on autopilot.

These may not be the New Year reflections from a holistic health coach you thought you’d be getting. Although, I did say I practice holistically - emotional and mental health are key drivers in holistic wellbeing.

And so I leave you with these journal prompts to contemplate as you set your health and fitness resolutions: