How is 2022 treating you so far? How are you doing with your new year’s resolutions? Wherever you are with them I do hope you are not beating yourself up about them. It always feels good to set them at the start of the year I think, but that shine soon wears off as your motivation is tested and daily life kicks in. If you are struggling maybe take a little step back, ask why and what can be done about it, maybe the resolution is too big right now and needs to be broken down into smaller pieces, maybe things have changed and it isn’t as important, it is okay to change it to make it work for you.
One of my resolutions was to practice more of what I preach, to take care of myself a little better, to make a little more time for me, between work, being a mum, reading and studying to improve my practice, doing admin for my business, cleaning, cooking etc. time always gets away from me (one of the reasons I don’t often blog much!), it is hard to fit time in for me, there are only so many hours in the day and days in the week and doing things for me is always the first thing I drop when there are other things that need doing, which as I often say to others, is not ideal. So, I sat and thought about what I wanted to do, all the little things that help me, the things I enjoy
and those that recharge me. From this list I picked out my non-negotiables, activities I do for me, that I know help me be more present and have more energy for others, that no matter what, I will keep. For me it is reading a fiction (not counselling related) book at bedtime and my workouts, in particular my PT sessions. I still have a longer list of things that help, things I will do if/when I get the time and chance, but I needed to make sure I had something that I always do, that I don’t just drop to fit in more work, or to clean or to do something for someone. For me it isn’t about just focusing on me and refusing to do anything else, but balancing my needs with and alongside those of others.
What are your non-negotiables and how do they help you?