New Year, New Goals: Starting Fresh, Even Through the Challenges
There’s something magical about the start of a new year. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. But if you’re living with chronic illness or navigating life’s challenges, the idea of a “fresh start” can feel overwhelming. How do you set goals and embrace new beginnings when your body or circumstances feel out of control? This year, I’m focusing on realistic, empowering goals that honor where I am, and I want to share how you can do the same.
1. Reflect Before You Reset
Before you dive into new goals, could you take a moment to reflect on the past year? What worked well for you? What brought you joy? What challenged you? Reflection isn’t about dwelling on the hard moments but about learning from them and celebrating your resilience.
Ask Yourself: What am I proud of from the past year? What did I learn about myself?
Please write it down: Journaling your reflections can help you understand the year ahead.
2. Set Goals That Feel Right for You
When living with chronic illness, traditional goals like “work out every day” or “stick to a rigid routine” may not always be realistic. Instead, focus on goals that align with your needs and celebrate progress over perfection.
Be Flexible: Set goals that can adapt to your feelings. For example, “move my body in a way that feels good” instead of “exercise for 30 minutes daily.”
Focus on What You Can Control: Whether drinking more water, practicing gratitude, or keeping a consistent sleep schedule, choose goals that empower you without overwhelming you.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is progress, no matter how small it may seem.
3. Create Intentions, Not Just Resolutions
Resolutions often feel like rigid rules, but intentions are about the mindset you bring to the year. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, think about how you want to feel or what you want to prioritize.
Examples of Intentions: “Prioritize my health and well-being.”
“Approach each day with kindness toward myself.”
“Find joy in the little moments.”
Intentions can guide you, helping you stay grounded when things don’t go as planned.
4. Build in Rest and Self-Care
Starting fresh doesn’t mean you have to do everything at once. As part of your new year’s plan, prioritize rest and self-care. Living with chronic illness has taught me the importance of pacing myself and listening to my body.
Schedule Rest Days: Make time for intentional rest to recharge physically and emotionally.
Practice Daily Self-Care. Small acts of care, such as journaling, meditating, or sipping your favorite tea, can make a big difference.
5. Start Fresh Every Day
The new year's beauty is that it reminds us that we can start fresh—not just on January 1st, but every single day. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. What matters is that you show up for yourself again and again.
My 2025 Intentions
This year, I’m focusing on a few simple, meaningful intentions:
1. Stay Present: Embrace the moments of joy, even on hard days.
2. Advocate for Myself: Continue tracking my health, journaling, and speaking up for what I need.
3. Celebrate Progress: No matter how small, every step forward matters.
Nurture Relationships: Strengthen the bonds with my family, friends, and community.
4. Find Joy in Creativity: Write more, embrace my passions, and share my journey with others.
A New Year’s Reminder
You don’t need to have everything figured out by January 1st. The new year is about progress, not perfection. Be kind to yourself, embrace where you are, and remember that every day is an opportunity to move forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.
Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and fresh starts, glitches and all.
What are your goals or intentions for the new year? Please share them on the Contact page, and let’s inspire each other to make 2025 a year of hope and strength!