The past two years have been full of constant change – change in jobs, families, routines, the way we interact with others, and our life perspective. For many, these changes haven’t been easy. For others, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the “wake-up call” they needed to help them realize that life is short, and caring for ourselves and those around us should be a top priority.
Each New Year brings hopes of positive and healthy growth in our lives. With this in mind, we should aspire to make 2022 a year of growth amidst the uncertainties of each new day. One of the best ways to achieve this growth is to routinely check in on ourselves and those we love.
Help yourself grow. In order to best care for those around you, start by caring for yourself. Checking in on yourself allows you to see what aspects of your life are going well, as well as areas that could use improvement or additional support. Regularly check in on yourself by asking the following questions:
• How am I feeling – mentally, emotionally, and physically?
• Am I happy with where I am in life?
• Is taking care of myself and my well-being a priority?
As you answer these questions, remind yourself, “it’s okay not to be okay.” Actively work to improve your well-being and seek out opportunities for growth in your life. While doing this, remember that reaching out for additional support from a professional is one way to attain the self-growth you’re searching for this year.
Help your loved ones grow. In addition to achieving personal growth in 2022, it’s important to encourage growth in those around us. Here are some questions you can ask your loved ones, friends, and coworkers, especially if you’re concerned about their well-being:
• How are you really doing?
• It seems like you’ve been struggling with _____ lately. Do you want to talk about it?
• Would you be willing to talk to someone about what you’re going through?
Listening to those you care about is one of the best ways to show them love and support and encourage them to grow. If you notice they’ve been struggling lately or don’t seem like themselves, consider having a conversation with them about ways they can get additional support. Not only should you remind yourself that “it’s okay not to be okay,” but remind those you love of this too.
Horizon is here to help you and your loved ones grow this New Year. We offer individual counseling for those looking to make healthy changes in their own lives. Additionally, our Marriage & Family therapy, Parent & Family support group, and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) program allow you and those you care about to embark on a journey of growth together. Learn more about our services here.
Call us today at 716.831.1800 to make an appointment or ask questions.