| Dear friends, How have you been since I last checked in? Were you able to enjoy some time with loved ones over the holiday break? So much has happened since my last blog and yet so much still remains the same. We all know that the past 2 years have been extremely difficult with the pandemic. There has been a real and true divide between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated; separating families and close friends for the holidays and social gatherings. Lockdowns, isolations and media have played a large part in creating overwhelming fear and fatigue. It is not a surprise as to why mental health is at the forefront of concern for everyone! Have you had a chance to set some positive intentions for 2022? What are your goals, aspirations or intentions for this year? As a normal practice, I “force” my family to write down their intentions and we post them on the fridge. In the past, we would go around and share verbally- but from my experience, writing it out and looking at it helps to remind you and keeps you accountable for what you had hoped for at the beginning of the year. I have written down specific ways in which I plan to take care of my physical and mental well-being. I decided that this year my 2022 intentions will be written more like a business plan. Why you ask? Because in the past, I have had grand/big picture ideas, but I may not have followed through because I didn’t have the details to make my intentions happen. For example, top New year’s resolution is to lose weight. Is this yours? You can write your “want” to lose weight for 2022 – but how are you going to actually lose this weight? When the affirmation/intention is more like a wish, it’s too broad with no actionable plan. Think business plan with more details = more accountability = greater success! So…I thought I would share just a few segments from my 2022 intention plan. I have sub-headings and necessary details. My hope is that I can spark some ideas for you to create or add to yours! Become Stronger – In mind and physical body: – Daily meditation & mantras for self-love: ( I am beautiful, I am strong, I am worthy, I am important, I am loved. The Universe loves and supports me – all is well and good.) To dos: re-read: “You can heal your life” by Louise Hays. Read: “No Mud, No Lotus” by Thich Nhat Hanh, read: “When the Body says no” by Gabor Maté, Read: “Sensitive is the New Strong” by Anita Moorjani Note: Saying out loud or in your mind positive affirmations activates the reward system of your brain. Studies have shown that positive affirmations are helpful for depression and anxiety. Did you know that just thinking about something causes your brain to send signals and release neurotransmitters? These chemicals control virtually all of your body functions including mood and emotions. So, if you think (pun intended) about it, over time, if you are actively repeating positive intentions and affirmations, you can actively change your body at the cellular level to ward off depression and anxiety. – Lift 5lbs weight to gain strength – upper and lower body. 3 x /week – starting with 2 x 10 reps/day and increase after 1 month to 3x /week – 2 x 15reps/day and increase after 2 months to 4x/ week – 2 x 15reps/day and increase after 2 months to 10lbs… Start back to the beginning… Note: Physical strength takes patience and time. I used to be able to lift 15-20 lbs weights…this was ages ago. I need to rebuild and start all over again…and I that’s ok! Remember it’s not a race…it’s a journey – keep your eye on the prize. If you’re injured – stop or slow down. It’s ok to take a pause – but have an action of when to get back to your plan. – Say “NO” when it doesn’t align with my happiness. Note: Are you a “yes” person? Do you say “yes” to things that don’t align with what you believe in – for worry that you’ll disappoint? When you say “yes” to something that doesn’t align with your beliefs and your soul – who are you really disappointing? Quick bites for Actions of Love: – Listen more & Talk less – Compliment more & Criticize less – Be more flexible & Less rigid – Hug & kiss more, Yell less – Forgive more & Blame less – Smile more & Frown less – Play more & Netflix less 😉 Hopefully, taking a peek at some segments of my 2022 blueprint will help you to create or add to yours. Remember to post (on fridge or mirror) or keep handy (think desktop) so it’s top of mind and visible each day. I am happy to report that my actionable detailed 2022 plan has allowed me to be less grumpy and more happy…even through those dreaded online schooling weeks! Send me a note to let me know how you’re doing. What intentions are in store for you this year? Sending love & light, Tracie Smith P.S. If weight loss is on your 2022 Resolution list – check out my latest Acupuncture blog for Natliving. https://naturopathiclivingmedicalsolutions.ca/acupuncture-for-weight-loss/ Sources: https://thebestbrainpossible.com/affirmations-brain-depression-anxiety/ https://www.rewireme.com/lifestyle-happiness/the-power-of-positive-affirmations/ |
Happy New Year 2022!! Set your Intentions to make this a great year!
