Finding Comfort in the Messiness of Life
New Year, New You
Happy New Year! It’s officially 2025, and with the new year often comes new year’s resolutions. For me, I have a resolution to be more in the present moment. In trying times, we often let the not so put together version of ourselves come out, and there were times in 2024 where I definitely saw this. This is all because I was often getting so caught up in future worry, that I could not enjoy the present. So, in 2025, I’m putting my best foot forward, and practicing what I preach to my clients in therapy.
When times are tough, take it day by day, or moment by moment. If you’re thinking about the future…try not to. Focus on the present moment. In this moment right now, there is likely nothing wrong. You are reading this post, perhaps sitting on your couch or while laying in bed, and there is nothing wrong with you. You are breathing, you are content. But the moment you begin to think about the past, or worry about the future, that’s when you start to feel out of sorts and the depression and anxiety creep in. Even if you have just gotten into a fight with someone, as long as you are safe and in no danger, then you are physically and mentally safe, if you can orient yourself to the present moment. Some of you may struggle with trauma and have those dreaded symptoms come up when you were doing well before- but again, this is focusing on the past. There is work to be done, yes- we need to process that trauma in order to move on from it. But eventually, you will be able to bring yourself into the present moment more often, and experience harmony in your mind and body.
It can be tough to live in the present moment, I get it. But the more you practice this, the easier you can ride the wave of those big emotions, and start learning to be more at peace with yourself. This year, I challenge you to try to be more present, because the present moment is a beautiful place to be.
How Are We Doing?
I’ll admit, it’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog. We are into the fourth month of the year now, how are we doing? Are we steadily achieving our goals, or has the messiness of life gotten in the way again, and we are now either stuck in survival mode, or struggling to stay afloat? Either way, it will be okay. Take a deep breath, inhale, hold, and now exhale. Everything is going to be okay. I encourage you to sit with your feelings, whatever they might be, and notice where you are feeling it in your body. Is this familiar? Think back to the last time you felt this way, and the first time you remember ever feeling this way. What’s the connection there?
When our feelings are not overly intense and we are not in crisis, it can be important to sit with our feelings and process them. Some parts of us may want to avoid uncomfortable feelings, but I encourage you today to sit with your feelings, feel them, and understand why they are there. Emotions are always trying to tell us something. Our ancestors felt fear when they came across a bear because it was life threatening and the fear would tell them to run or fight. That fear is there to tell you something today too. Introspect and see if you can discover what your emotions are telling you instead of just avoiding them.
