Are you ready for a better tomorrow?
Wondering how to make changes to improve your life?
My yoga teacher asked the class the other day, “What are you going to do to make this the best year of your life?” So it got me thinking about what I could put in place this year to make things a little better.
This is what I came up with:
1. Exercise more
A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise. ~ A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
My exercise plan could be better and more consistent. I do something in the way of exercise every day, but I could kick it up a notch. A few years ago, I read about a 94-year woman who participates in the Masters running and javelin throwing program.
She inspired me to want to get up and go for a run. I’ve given up running for now. Instead, I went for a long walk.
One size does not fit all when it comes to exercise. Find an exercise plan that works for you. It could be swimming, walking, bike riding, Zumba, or skiing.
Your body releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are the hormones that kick in when we experience happiness. They trigger a positive feeling in the body. Moving your body will help you feel healthier and more relaxed.
Physical exercise can help improve your mood. It can also relieve some of your stress about your child’s situation.
Some of the things I enjoy are practicing yoga, working out on the elliptical machine at the gym, and continuing my daily walks.
2. Minimize worry to create a better tomorrow.
If your eyes are blinded with your worries, you cannot see the beauty of the sunset. ~ Krishnamurti
Even though I am in a better place than I was twelve years ago, worry can still creep back into the forefront of my mind. Ask any mom, and I’m sure they will tell you the same thing.
During this new year, I am going to remind myself that everything is going well. I will have faith that things will unfold as intended.
I want to live in the present moment and appreciate the positive. I’m going to work this year on letting go of worrying too much and enjoy today.
Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as: “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”
Mindfulness allows you to appreciate what you do have. I’m going to work at enjoying each moment of my life.
Instead of worrying about what could happen, I’m going to strive to be more conscious. I’m going to pay attention to what is happening now.
3. Let go of regrets
To get over the past, you first have to accept that the past is over. No matter how many times you revisit it, analyze it, regret it, or sweat it, it’s over. It can hurt you no more. ~ Mandy Hale
Regret can leave you stuck, not able to let go, and not able to move forward. You dwell on past events that you feel were harmful.
The definition of regret from dictionary.com is to feel sorrow or remorse and think of it with a sense of loss.
You may regret something small, such as being late to an appointment or missing a family gathering. Other times you may have deeper regrets.
Regret often surfaces for parents when their child is struggling with substance use. Often parents wish they had done some things differently.
Many feel they’ve lost the dream for their child. More importantly, your child has lost the dream for himself. You watch the negative behavior that your child can’t seem to stop. It is painful to realize that your child’s life is being wasted.
Holding onto your past is not healthy. Focusing on the past does not create a better tomorrow.
As Kathryn Schulz says, “The point isn’t to live without any regrets. The point is to not hate ourselves for having them.”
Here is Kathryn’s powerful TED talk on Regret. Her talk addresses the regret we all have felt at some point in our lives.
4. For a better tomorrow, keep things balanced.
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. ~ Albert Einstein
I’m a bit of a mix, but for the most part, I’m an introvert. It is important, no matter what personality type you are, to have a balanced lifestyle.
I can occupy myself for hours with work or some other individual activity. I enjoy people, yet sometimes I need to push myself to reach out to others. Connecting with family and friends is important. Scheduling more social time would make this year even better for me.
I love talking to parents whose son or daughter is struggling. Yet, substance use is a serious topic. I must lighten things up on occasion. Keeping my life balanced has proven to be very helpful.
When you face a stressful situation, nothing helps you more than to take care of yourself each step of the way. You will build up your inner resources. That will help you remain calm and make better decisions. It isn’t easy to help someone else if you can’t take care of yourself.
Doing something to replenish yourself can make a big difference in your life. Things like an occasional massage, lunch with friends, spending time in nature can be helpful. You can refresh yourself as you connect with your inner being, and that is worth doing.
When you keep your life balanced, your child’s substance use issues won’t overwhelm you. You will be more available for other family members who also need your attention.
This year can be better.
Even if your child is dealing with substance use, you deserve to permit yourself to create a more joyful life. Living well today to have a better tomorrow will give you inner peace, which is so needed when dealing with drugs or alcohol.
What about you? What are you going to do in your life to create a better tomorrow?
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Yes to letting go of regrets- forgiveness is such a healer and allows us to move forward to a better you. Thanks for the ted talk xxx
Letting go of regrets can help a person feel less stuck and embrace moving forward. Thanks, Suzie.
This is such good advice. I firmly believe that we create our tomorrow by what we do today. It’s the only control we have. It’s crazy not to use it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Debbie,
I like your idea of our actions today create a better tomorrow. So true!
Cathy, I so relate to needing to push myself to connect socially, but I always finding it satisfying when I do. So socializing and maybe even making a close friend are definitely part of my wishes this year?
Glad you can relate, Sandra. I am social, but can also become a hermit if I don’t watch myself. The upside, it sounds like, for both of us is that we are comfortable being by ourselves which is also important.
These kinds of “resolutions” are right up my alley. My main intention for the year is to let go of busyness and enjoy simply being more often without feeling guilty or unproductive.
That is wonderful Paige that you have the intention of living more simply. That is something that I would like to pursue as well. It’s easier when the kids are grown and you have fewer responsibilities. I hope it works out for you. There is a lot to be said for having quiet, unproductive time.
Some great advice here Cathy! Yes letting go of regrets is a continuous and conscious process.
xoxo, Z~
Not always easy to let go of regrets, Zeenat, however well said that it is a process.
I love the A.A Milne quote. I know what that feels like Cathy! I totally agree that tomorrow is made by everything we do today, in this moment.
Thank you, Elle!