A New Mindset. A New You. A New Me.
New Opportunities. New Experiences. New Situations.
Obviously all of these phrases have the word “new” in it. Yes, we all believe a New Year, a NEW number, is going to bring all new. But, will it? I know that sounds dreaded or like a debbie-downer, but hang in there with me.
The first definition of new, according to Google, is not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently or now for the first time. The key phrase here is not-existing. This definition defines all that we may do that has never been created or made before.
The second definition of new, according to Google, is already existing but seen, experienced, or acquired recently or now for the first time. The key phrase here is already-existing. This definition defines all that we may gather that is new to us.
These two definitions are vastly different; even though we are discussing the same word. Is one new better than the other? Are they connected in some way? Which new fills your life now? Is there comfort found in new? We are left to ponder these questions as we embark on a NEW year.
Stop and Think!
The past year… we will not be staying here long as I want to focus on our new adventures. However, I think it is important for us to have the ability to distinguish between our new’s. What would you consider to be your life-changing non-existing new experiences? As you think about them, how do you feel? Now, move on to the experiences that you encountered that would be considered the already-existing new. What are your feelings as these race through your mind?
It is important to note that your feelings are powered by your mindset. The feeling of negativity will overpower joy. The feeling of anxiousness will overpower courage. The feeling of restlessness will overpower accomplishment. These statements are true if we allow them to be. How can we fight the internal struggle of negativity vs. positivity? The adjective new surrounds us and we need to be ready to embrace every moment with an open mind, open heart, and open arms.
Embrace the Positivity
We have the opportunity to turn the page on the calendar year, and we must do it with confidence and courage. Instead of looking at 2020 as a “Year-of-Loss”, what was gained? Instead of looking forward to 2021 as a “Year-of-Unknown”, what can be gained? It is a mindset. It is a mindset of positivity.
According to the Mayo Clinic there are 6 ways to help us focus on the positive:
- Identify an area of change: This could be a simple or complex change.
- Check yourself: Have times throughout the day, downtime, that you can think about your thinking.
- Be open to humor: It has always been said that laughing is the best medicine. 🙂
- Follow a healthy lifestyle: What you fill up with- is what you will be. Take time for a walk or meal prep.
- Surround yourself with positive people: Think about how you fill your time and with whom you fill your time with
- Practice positive self-talk: Be nice to you, just like you are kind to others.
With these strategies in our back pocket, we have this. No matter what NEW is heading our way, let’s face it with positivity.
This past month, I had the privilege of speaking with one of my amazing parents who is currently fighting cancer. The cancer is gone, but the treatments continue. So not only has this family had to endure the pandemic, cancer has rocked their world too. She said to me, “My husband’s family has a history of cancer that ends in loss, so if this is God’s way to keep him here, I am perfectly fine to take this from him.” So, many other thoughts could have been racing through her mind, but she chose to have a positive mindset for herself and her family. She understands the new and isn’t afraid to face the new with a positive attitude.
A NEW Year and a NEW number is going to bring NEW.
Let the NEW positively impact your life!
Jamie Chenault 