This month’s edition has some serious gems for anyone even remotely interested in exploring a few pathways to creating lasting positive change in their lives.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in familiar routines or bogged down by past experiences, “Beginner’s Mind: A New Perspective on Life,” by Carrie Jackson, offers a refreshing shift in perspective. By embracing the Zen concept of shoshin—a beginner’s mind—we learn to approach life with openness, curiosity and the courage to see things anew.

For those living with chronic health conditions, the idea of “starting fresh” can feel out of reach. In “The Vital Role of Self-Care for Individuals with Chronic Conditions,” by Gabriel Jean Joseph, we are reminded that self-care isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a necessity. 

Of course, with the new year comes the familiar, often dreaded pull of resolutions. But if you’re tired of seeing good intentions fall by the wayside, “From Failed Resolutions to Real and Lasting Change,” by Benjamin Blackett, is a must-read. This piece highlights how lasting change isn’t about willpower; it’s about tapping into the power of our subconscious mind and changing it, consciously. By shifting our mindset, focusing on self-awareness, and taking small intentional steps, we can create lasting transformation—well beyond January​.

The overall theme of this edition is quite timely for me as I’ve been doing a daily meditation practice the past few months that is offered by Dr. Joe Dispenza. The practice, which aligns with his book Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, encourages participants to open their minds. Opening first to the notion that we have the power within ourselves to change fundamentally and second, to follow the practice of changing one’s mind on a dime when we find ourselves headed in a less than desirable direction.

The key for me, when successful, has been swiftness of reaction time, or the amount of time it takes for me to consciously recognize I’m going down the rabbit hole of an old negative thought pattern. While I’m not always successful in changing my mindset during those times, I realize that lasting change takes lots of practice and that practicing consistently is the golden key. 

Too long of a story for this space, but I was recently left with a quote from a total stranger, who I came to know as Jeff Platt, after a brief encounter in a parking lot: “Change is the only thing in life you can count on. If you’re not impacting the change in your life, the change in your life is impacting you.” 

The synchronicity of this random encounter was an aha moment that helped solidify the feeling that I’m on the right track, at least some of the time! One day at a time…

To a Happy and Healthy New Year for All!