New Approach To The New Year
By Jeff Millet
First I would like to say, "Happy New Year"
It is the time of year for fresh starts.
To put past stress and events behind us, and move forward.
A time to evaluate where we are, what we want, and where we want to go.
We look for purpose and meaning in our daily lives.
Often when I ask clients or others these questions, they don't know off the top of their heads.
The main reason, is that most of us, don't stop long enough to quiet the mind and connect with our own voice.
One of the things that has helped me over the years, is to get outside in nature.
It could be a hike, a run, a bike ride, or a walk.
There is something powerful about being alone, with no other sound, except your breath, your heart rate, and the sounds of nature.
It gives us the chance to listen to our soul, or inner voice.
It allows our minds to develop and process emotions and relationships, without the distractions of daily life.
Being outdoors allows us to relax and let go of all our modern day technology.
Some like to sit quietly and meditate. But that doesn't work for everyone.
This practice can be great, but I also get a lot out of moving meditation.
We spend so much time indoors, shut out from the world.
Breathing fresh air and feeling connected to the earth, does wonderful things to the psyche.
We can not make changes to things we are unaware of.
So we need to get quiet, to listen, and shift.
So how do we shift our minds into processing, what we want?
I like to start by thinking about all the things I am grateful for.
Why am I grateful for these things?
This will guide you to evaluate the important things in life.
There are many things to be grateful for, like love, relationships, income, physical objects, shelter, health, comfort, and food.
Making more money allows us to buy more things, have shelter, eat, and be more comfortable.
But what about the things money can not buy?
I like to focus on those things.
Things like health, love, friendships, responsibility, and self confidence.
Without these things, all the other stuff, is kind of pointless.
So this year, what I am focusing on, is all the intangibles.
And I urge you to do the same.
Focus on the health of your mind, body, and relationships.
Show your body the respect it deserves.
Without our health, it is difficult to enjoy anything else.
Yet it gets put on most people's back burner.
At first it may be hard to get started.
Its all about momentum.
It starts with one step.
Find others that can help you stay on track.
Eventually you will grow to love and seek out being healthy.
Being healthy makes the light of everything else glow a little brighter.
Yes it will take determination, sacrifice, and being uncomfortable at times.
But life isn't about being comfortable all the time.
We are fed this logic through the media.
However, I find that most growth happens on the backside of uncomfortable situations.
Seek out these situations in small doses.
Over time, you will reap the benefits.
I hope you have a great New Year, filled with growth and self discovery.
As always, if you need help or guidance, in your mindset, fitness and or personal training, feel free to reach out to me personally.
Our gym is located in shoreline, and near edmonds and seattle.
I hope this helps you,
Live Healthy and Happy