Embracing progress, not perfection
The New Year is upon us! As we bid farewell to 2016 and welcome 2017 with open arms, it seems only natural to make a list of resolutions. But when lofty goals become set-ups for let-downs, it can lead to depression and self-doubt.
At Sierra Tucson, we acknowledge the excitement that comes with a new year, and we believe in balancing that enthusiasm with realistic plans. Below are some healthy tips that we offer our residents during this time of year. We hope you’ll find them useful, too.
- Change the Language – Often, the term resolution has a negative connotation. Instead, setting intentions (“I am going to,” “I hold myself accountable by,” “I will try my best to”) can be a positive step. A shift in language creates a shift in mindset, and that can make all the difference.
- Focus on Healing – According to David Cato, LCSW, TCT, primary therapist for Sierra Tucson’s Trauma Recovery Program, “When we work on ourselves from within, [we begin to] find a way out of our old patterns and our old behaviors.” Somatic Experiencing® Therapy and other trauma-healing therapies help get to the root of a person’s challenges.
- Count Your Blessings – “Counting our blessings […] can help us deal more effectively with intense feelings, urges, and cravings,” says Kimberly Peters, MSSW, LCSW, primary therapist at Sierra Tucson. One way to achieve this is to fill up an empty jar with notes about the good things that take place in 2017. At the end of the year, you will literally be able to count your blessings!
- Try New Things – Rather than setting unrealistic goals, we can step outside of our routine from time to time. Expanding one’s horizons by learning a skill, trying a new dish, visiting a never-before-seen museum, or going on a new adventure are some practical ways to keep life fun.
From all of us at Sierra Tucson, we wish you good health and happiness in 2017!
For more information on Sierra Tucson’s comprehensive treatment programs, call our Admissions Coordinators at (800) 842-4487.
David Cato, LCSW, TCT, primary therapist and LGBTQ support specialist at Sierra Tucson, explains how to approach the New Year in a healthy manner.
Watch now.