3 Tips For Successful Achievement of New Year Resolutions

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC Photo (Me)

Before we can move forward and make new paths for healthier futures, it is always important to look back, not to perpetuate a feeling of being stuck but to realize or raise awareness of where we came from.

2015 was big for me. I finished my Master's Degree and became a Limited License Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan, landed a job as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, got married, and purchased a small vacation home in the upper peninsula of Michigan where my youngest son will be living while he is finishing his degree at Michigan Technological University. It is the first year in many where I feel my hard work has paid off and feels pretty great.

In writing my post tonight, I thought about my work as a therapist and what I believe is fundamental to the success of changing habits; while it is tough, an integrated self needs to be at the forefront.

We have to show up aligned in mind (intellect), body (physical), and spirit (emotional). Many times when we fail, we only show up in one of these areas, which can cause misalignment and eventually lead to guilt or shame; we end up confused. What I mean by mind, body, and spirit is we must be fully committed to what we are trying to change. We need to lean on our faith (fuel hope instead of punitiveness), use our intellect to recognize and work through triggers, and increase our self-care to be able to rely physically on our bodies to persevere. If we want to make the change but are not ready to put forth the work, the comfort of the old routine or craving/impulse will quickly override any desire for change.

It helps if we rally support by talking to others about it and/or working with a partner or friend who is reaching for a goal too.

My 2016 resolutions are:

To become more physically fit/toned through exercise and healthier eating. To become more spiritually connected through mindfulness and more intellectually fit by increasing my study habits. I want to pass the state exam, have a full-time client base, and intertwine mindfulness into my everyday routine.

What are your resolutions? Tell me, and we'll work toward each of ours together!

Good luck and Godspeed!

The Road Map Ahead

Kathryn J. Raths, LLC photo

Vacation always helps me to put my life into perspective. Whether I’m gazing into the Grand Canyon, across an ocean, or looking up into a night sky full of stars, I can feel a spiritual power that is so much greater than my physical self; perhaps it is my soul overlapping with the many that surround me in the spiritual world? Whatever it is, it has a profound impact, so I believe it to be celestial.

I always start my vacation a bit worried; I wonder if I will have a successful and safe journey. Even though my thoughts are anxious, I push past my fears and move forward with a hopeful and curious energy. In all the years I have ventured, regardless of the shortcomings I have stumbled upon, I have had the best of times during my getaways. Each gifted me with a renewal of sorts. This latest recharge was exactly what I needed in order to embrace a newfound energy and gain momentum for 2015. I feel truly blessed!

Gift yourself some kind of renewal, big or small, pamper yourself, and energize the feelings that this blessing gifts! It’s a great way to start the New Year.

The here and now, continued...

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Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I just finished reading a Group Therapy book by Yalom and it has offered much food for thought. He talks about what an individual may gain from group therapy. Some may seek relief while others seek growth.

This made me think about the “up’s and down’s” we all travel through during the trials-and-tribulations of life.

In our darkest moments, we pray for relief but ultimately, although we may not literally ask for it, we strive for growth. I want us all to learn from the challenge we’ve encountered in order to minimize or eliminate further similar heartache.

It is my hope that 2014 brings to each of you a year full of growth; realization of your lessons. I want all of your hard work to manifest fulfillment in all aspects; mind, body and spirit.

I am sending each of you light and love as you close the door to 2013 and embrace the new in 2014!

What is your wish? Leave me a note. I would love you know you are out there and you’re sending prayers into the world too!