Originally published in Connections, 1999
Sometimes a year will stand out in your memory as a bad one. It may not have been difficult every single week, or perhaps even every month, but looking back over a particular twelve months can bring overwhelming feelings of sadness, conflict, or anger. You can’t wait to throw out that calendar.
The following points are adapted from Jaine and James Carter’s article “Having a bad year? Here’s how to feel better†in their Scripps Howard syndicated column which appeared in my newspaper. Perhaps some of these points will give you some ideas as you recover from the doldrums of a hard year.
Write or call someone who’s always supported you. Sometimes just writing “it’s been a difficult year†can help you shed the sadness, hurt, or anger you’ve felt. And a good listener friend can help you sort out the circumstances of your low feelings.
Say no. Take a hard look at upcoming activities. Do you have to do everything you did last year? Consider your energy, your feelings, and your family. Is this a good year to make some changes?
Get outside. Whether it’s gardening, sweeping the sidewalk, shoveling snow, walking in a local park, or hiking to the top of a mountain, getting outside any time of year exposes you to the natural elements that can calm, restore, and refresh.
Visit a favorite place. Can’t get the family to go to that great tea room you once went to with your cousin? Call her and go again! Visit places that make you feel good, and connect with your soul.
Start a new good habit. It might be a new exercise regimen, morning routine, focus on better nutrition, or playing tennis every Tuesday.
Make a list of your favorite things to do. Make arrangements to do some of those favorite things each month. See how your spirits rise as you feed your soul with the things you love.
Listen to your favorite music. Perhaps you need to remove your son’s heavy metal CDs from the player and put on something you like! Put on something with a great beat and dance around the house. I’m always amazed at how much better I feel when I put on my “Party Doo-Wop†CD!
Look ahead on your calendar to your favorite months. Plan more vacation, write down some activities that you love. Call a supportive friend and arrange lunch dates.
Plan something big. Might you want to plan a visit to a dear friend far away? A family reunion or a Chapter picnic? Build a balcony off your bedroom? Something else you’ve always wanted to do? Whether it involves money, manual labor, or just lots of phone calls, planning a big event or trip can lift your spirits and give you something wonderful to look forward to.
Think ahead to better days. Plan the new year with hope and power. Look at your calendar with a positive perspective and mark in your birthday, your accreditation anniversary, and other special festivities and celebrations. Some things you can’t control, but many things you can. Make this year a great one for your family and yourself.
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