I don’t make resolutions on New Years. I’d like to believe I am calmly walking through each day, and what needs my attention, I give it. What doesn’t, I throw to the wind. Everyday living inspires my goals, not the change of the year. But that’s just me.
When it comes to the end of my time with a young person who I am case managing, I like to reflect and review our supportive time together.
It’s a time when both of us can reflect on times spent together working through difficult situations, identifying growth and change, or simply expressing our feelings about our time in the supportive relationship. Beginnings and endings are a natural part of life.
I hope I have provided support and kindness to many people and clients over 2021. I have never felt the need to lead. I stay true to myself and who I am. I enjoy my life.
Some of my favourite tips for 2022
- Be kind to yourself.
- Bravely withstand socially represented perfectionism.
- Failure happens – you can be wrong- don’t worry about that too much and don’t take failure personally.
- Don’t constantly watch the news. Please don’t!
- Don’t believe everything you read or hear. Investigate information for yourself. You have no requirement to follow anyone.
- Be a supporter of hope. Use the language of hope and gratitude. Let those who speak of demise and distress attract that to them. You can choose not to listen. You can choose your path.
I learned to say no comfortably- if I feel tired or know I need a break, I take a break without feeling guilty.
Some other things I’ve learned:
Emotions – Our emotions tell us things. Give yourself time to understand them. Even the uncomfortable feelings tell us something about ourselves.
Our experiences shape us. The good, the bad and the ugly all have a place in the human experience. Life can be brutal sometimes, but the sun will rise tomorrow, and so can we. And we learn through our hardships not to be stronger but to be more resilient.
When I work with young people, I often say, ‘Be as strong as a mountain and as gentle as a stream.’ We deconstruct its meaning. We talk about strength and what that might look like for them. We do the same for being gentle. Every single conversation is different around this saying. But one thing remains consistent. Each young person can identify when they have had to find a way to be strong and gentle. The key is balance. This activity helps them to understand that strength is not always about being physically strong. Sometimes remaining still and sometimes silent. Being gentle is not always about touch but appreciating the emotions surrounding calmness.
So until next time… “Be brave and bold in your chosen field of creativity. And never be afraid to explore new techniques”
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