Many people think that they must wait until the end of the year to change their habits. However, we can turn our lives around at any time of the year. Whether it is currently January, June, September, or any other time the essential tips to start fresh every day I’ve shared below will help.
The biggest thing that I have learned this year is that I have a lot to be grateful for and that things happen as they should, even if they seem to be disappointing at first.
When I need a fresh perspective or a little inspiration, I often turn to Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn. He once said, “Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.” His words remind me to make every day a fresh start.
So, how exactly do you make every day a fresh start? Read on below for 3 essential tips that I find the most consistently impactful.
3 Essential Tips to Start Fresh Every Day
1) Look for what’s working
It can be all too easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong. When we stay focused on what’s wrong or on the negative, we zap our energy and create stagnation in our lives.
Yes, of course, take care of any practical things to address the problem. Then, shift focus to what is working. Staying on the positive side of things will help propel you forward, even in frustrating situations.
A great way to get in the habit of looking for what’s working is to start a gratitude jar. A simple mason jar will do the trick. Set the jar on the counter or in another visible place. Every week, write down at least one good thing that happened during the day or week.
The more you draw your attention to what’s working, the more and more you’ll gravitate toward a fresh perspective. As an added bonus, next December 31st, sit down with your full gratitude jar and read about all of the greatness that was your life over the year.
2) Realize what you can and cannot control
I could write an entire article on this one, but let’s keep it straightforward and simple. Sometimes we can get really caught up in wanting other people to change.
We think to ourselves, “If only they would start doing X…” or “If only they would stop doing X…”. And it may be true that someone else acting differently might positively impact your environment. It also may be true that someone else making a change will benefit them. However, we have absolutely no control over when or how that happens.
Here’s the bottom line. Get clear on what is in your sphere of influence and what isn’t. Ultimately, the only thing we really have control of is ourselves and our responses.
Take responsibility for yourself, no matter what others around you are doing. Take responsibility for your actions, your emotions and your responses. Even if all the circumstances stay the same, your internal landscape can change, thus, shifting your experience for the better.
3) Engage in Self-Forgiveness
One of the most powerful ways to start fresh every day is to practice forgiveness. Remember that forgiveness, as I am speaking of it, is just for you.
If forgiving involves another person, it doesn’t mean that you need to condone their actions. Instead, what I’m talking about is forgiveness for the purpose of freeing up your energy.
Also, sometimes the person we’re the hardest on is ourselves. So, I’m especially talking about forgiving yourself for past mistakes so you can free up your energy.
Self-forgiveness may be the most difficult of these three tips, but it is extremely important. This simple act will create positive momentum toward a hopeful future.
In Summary
I hope these 3 Essential Tips to Start Fresh Every Day will help you get your New Year off to a great start. Whether you start today, tomorrow, or next week, gratitude, perspective, and self-forgiveness will propel you in the right direction. They free up your energy, so you have the mental and emotional space to pursue.
Working with mindset alongside any issue can make a huge difference. That’s why we give personalized mindset support to every patient who works with us. So, no matter if you’re seeing us for a women’s health issue, fertility support, chronic health condition, or another health issue, you can rest assured we’ll address the mind-body connection of whatever is going on in your world.
Not a patient yet and ready to get started? That’s super easy to do. Simply click here to request your free initial consultation today. We’ll review your case and help determine if a course of treatment in our clinic is the right fit for you.
About the Author - Michael Hurley, L.Ac.
Michael is the co-founder and acupuncturist at Cup of Life Healing Center. He specializes in Women's Health and Fertility--a passion born from he and his wife's own fertility journey. Michael holds a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM), one of the top-rated acupuncture schools in the country. He is nationally certified with the NCCAOM and licensed by the State of New Hampshire to perform acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Additionally, Michael is certified in 5-Element Functional Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine.
Cup of Life Healing Center has two locations: 82 Washington Street, Suite 2, Keene, NH and 400 Amherst Street, Suite 402, Nashua, NH. The clinic can be reached via phone or text at (603) 352-3625.
