New Year: Things I wish I had told myself on this day last year

The start of a new year can be both thrilling and daunting. For those who don’t really think much of it, emotions end with apathy, and it’s a day just like any other. Though for most, it’s an exciting time brimming with potential prospects. Every new year is the beginning of a 365 blank slate which you can fill any way you want to. Mostly, what we all want is change, even if it’s just a betterment in the slightest.

The thirst for change is both fuelled and quenched with the tradition of resolutions, and an official calendar day which marks the start of a fresh-paged planner. Each new year we aim to improve; be more organised; healthier; wealthier; brighter and lighter. We hope for the next 12 months to go a little smoother than the year preceding it, with less stress and a better quality of life. Funnily enough, that’s what holistic practice is really all about. When we adopt a holistic lifestyle, we aim to bring balance, improve health and achieve a better standard of living.

Upon reflection, so much has happened in 2017. Not just in our personal lives, but in the world over.  For me, this year has probably been the most challenging, like I’m sure it has been for many others. 2017 was filled with days spent in commuting, new countries, new jobs, achievements and hopeless disappointments (mostly in myself). It was a mixture of unmanageable exhaustion with a rebirth of fun-loving energy I thought I’d lost. Setbacks were cushioned with celebrations and brand new relationships encouraged the amendment of some really important ones. In transit, I developed a zesty appreciation for family and the passage of time.

This year it’s been difficult to hold onto my sanity, (seriously, that thing is slippy), but at least I’ve never let go of my humour. I faced a lot of fears and have realised I still have many to conquer and so much more to learn and become. It’s been a high-energy roller coaster of experiences and emotions, but going back 366 days to the new year of 2017, I really wish I had been better prepared for what was to come. Even if that preparation was a few words, and even if those few words had no context. So this year, I think I’ll share the words I wish I’d heard last time, and prepare myself a little better, so I can kick ass a little harder.

New Year Preparation:

• You. You’re going to have to speak up for yourself, especially when you’re uncomfortable.
• You. You are your own guardian and you need to have the confidence to stand up for yourself.
• You. Don’t you dare let bad things just happen when you absolutely have the power to stop them.
• You. Things are going to get really shit. So don’t lose yours.
• You. You have more authority than you realise. Take control.
• You. You’re going to have some beautiful moments. These moments are fleeting, so don’t take them for granted.
• You. NEVER IGNORE YOUR GUT INSTINCT FOR SAKE OF POLITENESS.
• You. Not every opportunity is a blessing. Always take good time to think before you accept.
• You. You might make some really horrible choices that leave you resenting yourself, so if you’re going to sabotage what you’ve built in any way, just make damn sure it’s worth it.

Though these are my personal truths, they’re purpose is to inspire you to write your own bespoke mantras. To all of our students, readers and the entire team at The School of Natural Health Sciences, thank you for being with us this through 2017, and we wish you all the best for 2018. Happy New Year!