Here we go again, in a blink of an eye 2022 is gone and 2023 is upon us! Reflecting back, I've decided that this year instead of creating resolutions that I'm unlikely to achieve, albeit I usually get through a few but become frustrated as the year progresses with the resolutions that remain as a to do!
Instead, I'm going to focus in on Mantras that I can implement throughout the year to ground, focus and motivate myself during the challenging times that are inevitable! It will help to allow me to remain optimistic, realistic for what is in store in the days and months ahead, I figure I'll adjust my mantras on my whiteboard and diary to keep myself on track and focused on the positive even when I'm tempted to give into the negative.
Mantras or positive affirmations are a fantastic way to keep you on track in context of how you view or respond to a situation and thought I'd share with you what I have thus far to hopefully ignite some inspiration for you.
Remind myself that "nobody can make me feel inferior without my permission", challenging people and situations will always be present in our lives and I've learnt that this negativity cannot cause harm to me unless I provide this consent!
Learnings from 2022 have ensured that this mantra is at the top of my list and will be making a conscious effort ensuring I provide myself permission to respond with integrity, even if this means walking away to preserve my energy!
I owe that to myself, I cannot control the actions, beliefs, response or how someone treats me but I can be mindful of that I have a choice as to my reaction and will ensure I don't buy into negativity and further to this I need to remind myself that I am not responsible for other people's happiness as again this is a choice on their part and I am making a choice to focus on continuing to grow my emotional intelligence throughout 2023 preserving my own inner peace.
As corny as it may sound next is, "I am worth it!" often I neglect to give myself the time that I shower upon others which makes no sense, truly it's a bit like trying to drive a vehicle on a near empty tank! It only gets you so far, before it conks out and the same principle applies to ourselves!
Self-care and or me time is incredibly important as it allows us to heal and grow as this gives us the time we need to reflect and focus on our emotional needs, allowing you to grow into the person you envision! So, like myself, take time for you to refuel and commit to giving yourself the consideration, kindness and compassion you so truly deserve!
Lastly, but a favourite of mine, is reminding myself that "this too will pass". It's that 5 by 5 rule, will it matter in 5 mins, 5 hours, 5 days, 5 months? and so on! If not, then it's not worth the stress that it's causing you and, like anything when we are emotional, we need to take time to pause and reflect then come back to the issue, person or situation when we have removed the emotion and viewing it rationally. It's my go-to mantra and has served me well, which I blend with "emotions are like visitors, they come and go" which is a reminder that it's just an emotion and to let it pass prior to launching into action to ensure a balanced, positive outcome & response.
Hope that this provides some positive direction and hope leading into 2023, remember to be kind and patient with yourself to work towards all you deserve in the year ahead!
Kim Marsden
