Seven tips for a more livable New Year
If you are like me, you’re happy to see the back end of this year and are looking forward with renewed hope to the New Year just round the corner.
Here are some tips for a more livable New Year that don’t need to cost you money, and if practiced regularly may even save you som, because you will feel less stressed, and require less self-medication or visits to the doctor. These tips are useful for everyone, not just for people with autism in their lives either as parents or professionals, so feel free to pass them around. I hope you will adopt one or two of them as your New Year’s Resolutions:
· Practice self-care. Even if it is just for 15 minutes a day, take a breather. Just like the flight attendants on airplanes instruct you to put the oxygen mask on you before helping a child, you need to take care of yourself first to be able to take care of others.
· Acknowledge what you have accomplished. Too often, at the end of the day, people think about all the things on their to-do list that they have not gotten done. Do yourself credit – think about all that you did accomplish that day. You will be amazed at how long that list is, and you will sleep better at night.
· Focus on the positive. Nothing in life is perfect. Every situation has appositive and a negative aspect to it. Focusing on the negative will leave you spinning your wheels. Focusing on the positive will give you the energy you need to move forward.
· Remain true to your life goals and values. If you know what you want, keep your eye on the ball. Evaluate the opportunities that present themselves and ask yourself, “Is this is line with my plan for myself, my family, my community? Is this in line with my values? ” If yes, accept. If not, decline.
· Forgive yourself. We’ve all done something or said something we’ve later regretted, or perhaps not behaved or worked up to our usual high standards. Learn from the experience, but don’t dwell on your mistakes.
· Forgive others. No-one is perfect, and as you wish to be forgiven by others, you must forgive those around you.
· Practice wisdom, serenity, and courage. A wise man once prayed: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” No matter your religious beliefs, we all need that kind of wisdom.
Best wishes to you and your family for a happy, healthy, and wealthy New Year.
First posted on Examiner.com December 30, 2009