A Note to the New Year

One of the ways of improving your sense of wellbeing, very quickly, is to re-frame your thinking from "what did not go well" to "what did go well".  In other words, to focus on some positives.

This is something we should apply to the last 12 months or so which has, universally, been a year of many challenges and upsets.  A simple but effective little virus has highlighted the flaws in our global society and prompted us, collectively and as individuals, to re-assess how we live and what is really important.

There are always positives if you look for them:

• Communities and individuals have pulled together to support each other
• Notes have gone through letterboxes offering to help with shopping etc
• Social media has ensured our young (and not so young) can keep in contact with friends
• Front line medical staff have battled through to care for us and our loved ones
• Key workers - like delivery workers have ensured we get our stuff - delivered usually on time despite massive workload
• Researchers have worked tirelessly to find a vaccine
• Support groups have formed, of all kinds, globally
• We have turned to (improving) technology to help us to still meet, converse and enjoy each others company - skyping/zooming/watching online live performances
• People have joined together to show appreciation and support for our services, especially the NHS
• Many of us have had more time, especially in lockdown, to think and reflect
• We have taken up new activities or project in lockdown
• We have come to appreciate how important nature is to us - on our exercise walks, in our gardens, or on our cycle rides (bike sales have rocketed in the past year!)
• We are reading more
• We are exercising our creativity

These are some of the positives on which we can build.  I am sure you can think of many more.  Perhaps you could write them down - make a simple list.  The process of writing can help you to achieve a sense of calm and of having some control - which is why you might also consider attending the Little Bird SOS online event "A Note to the New Year - Writing for Wellbeing" on Thur 14 Jan from 2pm, with guest presenter Katie Sone.  This is a free event - more information and registration are at the link below:

Meeting information and registration