Nana-lutions for the New Year
You have heard of New Year’s resolutions, but have you heard of “nana-lutions”?
Over the years I have made, kept and then forgotten countless New Year’s Resolutions and you probably have too. So why do we even bother?
Because we want to do better, we really do, but the mind is willing and the flesh is weak. I came up with just a few nana-lutions that would make this next year a better year. These have nothing to do with losing weight, joining a gym or quitting smoking (I don’t smoke). However, if we were somehow able to do them all for the whole year I can’t help but think that no only would we have a better year we might actually solve some of our other problems too.
Commit
Physical problems are connected to what goes on in our heads. If we want our hearts and our bodies to change, we have to change the way we think about things. Not an easy task, but doable if we fully COMMIT to doing it.
How badly do we want things to change? That may depend on what kind of year you had this year. If it went smoothly for you then you may not see any need for nana-lutions. If it didn’t, read on and see if you can find even one thing you can do differently that might help you have a better year in 2017.
Focus
Saying I want things to be different isn’t enough. We have to first commit to a change and then FOCUS on making it happen.
There are pessimists and there are optimists but no matter if you see the glass half empty or half full, I think we can all agree that there is power in positive thinking. I want to think positive in 2017. How about you?
What if your nature is to think negatively?
How do we make ourselves think positive if we tend to see things in a negative light?
The beginning of a solution to a problem is first recognizing we have a problem. Everyone has bad days. Everyone experiences disappointment and discouragement but if day after day we walk around in a fog of fear and hopelessness, we need help.
Nanas, or anyone, who are feeling like a gray cloud is constantly hanging over them, like their feet are stuck in quick sand, like the sun is never going to shine again, you need help and there is NO SHAME in reaching out for help.
If you never feel or think positive please talk to your doctor or minister about getting help and don’t put it off. There are tons of resources online but I strongly recommend finding someone you can talk to in person about depression. One site you might check out is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Even if you are a positive thinker you may have a family member or loved one who needs help. Share this article with them and encourage them. You may be the push they need to get help.
There are specialists who know how to help you (or someone you know), but YOU have to take the first step and YOU have to commit to sticking with whatever treatment plan or medicines they prescribe.
You can’t FOCUS on the positive if you can’t see it and you can’t see it through the thick, dense fog of depression.
Avoid the Negative and the Drama
There are times when we are forced to deal with negativity and drama but whenever possible, run from it like your pants are on fire.
There are people who feed on drama like horses feed on hay. If you are hanging out with people who are perpetual pessimists or whose life is a soap opera that never ends, you need a new set of friends. Don’t be fooled. If we want to think positive and be happy we have to be around people who lift us up, not drag us down.
The same principle applies to drama. If you want your insides to constantly be in turmoil and your blood pressure to be higher than Mount Everest, then hang out with Drama Queens. If you want the still, calm waters of peace to soothe your soul, then stay away from them. They won’t let go of you easily though because Drama Queens want everyone involved in their production. Be firm and COMMIT to making 2017 the Year of No Drama (at least not the drama you can control-sometimes life hits us with a baseball bat over the head and we HAVE to deal with drama.) Tell those Drama Queens to invite someone else to the party, you have better things to do.
The Power of a Positive Person
Think of someone you know who always seems happy. They smile lots more than they frown and they enjoy laughter. I guarantee you that the person you are thinking of has problems too, but they have learned to think positive. They have learned to avoid drama. If they can do it, you can too.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
It may seem simplistic but watch only comedies on television and at the movies. If you can’t find something uplifting on to watch, turn it off and read a book and read only inspiring books too!
Feeling down-go for a walk. Even a short walk outside can boost your energy and make you feel better. Exercise stimulates your muscles and your brain and has been proven to improve mental and physical health. Get those tennis shoes on and get going. Walk your dog. Walk to the mailbox. Walk to the store. Just get moving!
Remember that positive person I asked you to think of while ago? Take them to lunch or invite them over for a visit. The more you are around positive people the more likely you will become one too!
Print This Out and Put It On Your Refrigerator
There are so many things in life beyond our control but if we focus on the positive, do our best not to stress, then we will have peace in our hearts and our homes!
Those are my nana-lutions. What are yours for 2017? I’d love to know!
