Making the Most of the New Year
By Kate Granigan

Marshfield - It is not uncommon at this time of year for people to take stock in what they have accomplished in the year past. All too often I hear from people that are hurried and over loaded with their own lives, jobs, families, including caring for a loved one. These responsibilities made many feel they really did not accomplish what they had hoped in the passing year. When explored further, it often becomes clear why this is.

We all too often set our expectations so high that we are destined to be disappointed when we can not achieve these high stake goals.

As we start a new year, it is often wise to take a look at what we have accomplished and set our sights on friendlier goals.

As so many people today juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities, our level of expectation and self disappointment can be detrimental. Below are a few ideas to get you thinking about setting some attainable and self nurturing goals for 2008:

• Take 20 minutes a day for just you - this can be to read a book, take a bath, a walk, meditate or anything else that focuses only on you. If 20 minutes seems too much, start with 10

• Add 15 more minutes to the current exercise routine you have - If the current routine is zero this gives you a realistic starting point. Once you are consistent with 15 minutes, you may be moved by your success to add more!

• Find two things each day that you did well - too often we end each day with our list of what we did not do.

• Start a Gratitude Journal - finding three things you are grateful for each day helps to allow a positive focus.

• Eat healthier more often than you eat unhealthy - instead of putting a number on weight loss, choose to make lifestyle changes in choices.

• Laugh More - spend more time reading the funnies than the negative news stories in the paper; spend more time on the comedy channel than the evening news.

Making realistic, attainable “feel good” goals allows us to feel success a little each day. A few minor changes that can be accomplished without high pressure fear of failure can start us off on the right track to a happier, healthier New Year!

About The Author
Kate Granigan, LICSW is the Executive Director of C.A.R.E, LLC a private geriatric care management practice serving elders throughout Massachusetts. She can be reached at (781) 837-744 or on the web at www.care-elderspecialist.com.