DR. CELESTE CATANIA-OPRIS, PH.D., LMFT
Remember when you were a child and people would ask you what you want to be when you grow up? Their question was obviously referring to an occupation, but taking a deeper look now as an adult, are you even close to that person you envisioned?
Perhaps you went down a route that was better than your childhood dreams? The fundamental question to ask yourself now is, “Are you happy?” If not, then what would you change about your life? Essentially, think of the first step you would have to take in order to be a person who can proudly say, “I am happy.”
For instance, if you have been telling yourself you want a new job, then you could start looking and sending out your resume. It can feel great to put yourself out there. If you have been wanting to make new friends, then maybe you could start connecting with people around you. Send a friend you were close to in high school a Facebook message or ask the woman who always says hello to you at your kid’s sports practice to go get a cup of coffee with you.
If you have been wanting to get back into shape, then schedule time to get a quick workout in. Many people think of working out and getting healthy with an “all or nothing” mentality. A common phrase is, “I’ll start my diet on Monday.” This can make change feel intimidating. Due to your schedule, perhaps you can only work out once a week right now for fifteen minutes. A fifteen-minute workout is better than not working out at all and there is no doubt you will start feeling better about yourself.
As random as these suggestions may be, they are the beginning of something different in your life. Resolutions are not just for the new year. Goals can be accomplished at any time. Those goals simply need to be realistic. The key is to figure out how to get there. Create a timeline for yourself. Tell yourself what you would like to do by the end of this week, the end of this month, and by the end of this year, then go for it.
Although it may sound cliché, ask for help if you need it. Dealing with certain things on your own can be beyond your threshold. Change is not easy. If it were, then no one would have a problem doing it.
Utilize the resources you may have—friends, family, or even a professional. Take the support and seize your opportunities. If you fail, start over. Go at your own pace and don’t be afraid to alter your vision if needed.
Tomorrow you may be intrigued by something else. If you want it, then go get it! Your world is yours to discover. Have fun, live healthy, and love hard—especially for yourself.
Celeste Catania-Opris, Ph.D., LMFT, offers therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families. Visit www.TherapyForModernHousewives.com.