Wrapping Up a Hell of a Year

Can I have a moment of your time? 

Take a minute and review how the holidays have been for you. What worked? What would you do differently? What memories were made? 

Now- trust me, this is a game changer. Go on your Google calendar. Pick a day before Thanksgiving- I picked the 17th of November 2025. Click Add Task- READ THIS. Now remind future you of all the things you will likely forget. Give yourself a boost, encouragement, or a reality check. 

Did you spend too much time with the wrong people? Did you try too hard to make everyone happy and end up feeling unappreciated? Was the sacrifice worth it because the kids have the glorious memories? 

I suspect your inbox is full of advice for the new year. I know it is just another day, but I love Mondays because I get to start a new week with high aspirations and a fresh page for my to-do list. I close out my finances at the end of each month, and buying a new calendar for January is a promise of better things ahead. 

Research says that resolutions are made to be broken. They are often too harsh, unsustainable. Intentions are things you can focus on and are much more forgiving. 

Who do you want to be in 2025? What measure of success do you choose? What are your values? 

In 2025 I intend to deepen and center my friendships. I will ask more and offer more. I will allow them to be who they are and work to accept those I love more fully. 

In 2025 I intend to focus on my finances, not because money is my priority but because peace of mind is. 

I will be active and eat well and get enough sleep because I deserve to feel amazing and I have some big adventures ahead. Gotta be on my game! Bring my best self. 

Please let go of what doesn’t serve you this year. Stop trying so hard to make shit work that isn’t worth your fight. Tame the ugly voice in your head. It isn’t you. It is just your brain soup and it can be taught to (mostly) offer positive feedback, joyous memories and problem solving support. Ditch the criticism, shame, and neurotic reminders of painful memories. 

After the 2016 election, I encouraged you all to get a therapist. When we got hit with the pandemic, I gave the same advice. This year looks challenging- find support. I am only taking return clients but do plan on offering more workshops and support events. 

In January I have a Stay or Go Workshop if it might be time to consider ending your marriage.

I have a New Year retreat for couples if you want to dig deeper on partnership and communication.

I have a workshop for therapists who are interested in looking at bringing their own experiences into their work with clients. Silver Linings- Using the Gifts We Never Asked For.

Remember that at the end of the day- our greatest gift is to love fiercely. May we stay true to our values, have each other’s backs and not let them break us.

Maureen