As we welcome the new year, it's natural to reflect on the experiences that shaped our growth in the previous year. Let's explore how to deal with what we left behind, the persistent internal conflicts and unresolved issues we carry with us.
Starting a new year often involves looking back on what has happened. However, it is crucial to distinguish between what we can control and what is beyond our control. As Viktor Frankl wisely observed, "between the stimulus and the response, there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response." Recognizing this freedom of choice is the first step towards letting go of what no longer serves us.
Some experiences from the previous year can linger, shaping our outlook and influencing our emotional well-being. By cultivating gratitude and acceptance, we can begin to mold a more resilient mindset towards what we carry with us.
Internal conflicts often arise from unmet expectations and challenged self-perceptions. By exploring these common patterns of dysfunctional thinking, we can develop strategies to challenge and modify negative thoughts, promoting a healthier view of ourselves and the world around us.
Unresolved issues can persist as sources of ongoing stress. Dealing with unresolved issues by expressing authenticity and emotions is an effective approach to transforming challenges into opportunities for personal growth.
When dealing with internal conflicts and unresolved issues, it is vital to adopt constructive coping strategies. Mindfulness practice, based on the Buddhist tradition, offers techniques for cultivating full attention to the present moment, reducing rumination about the past and anxiety about the future.
By letting go of what no longer serves us, it is essential to embrace hope and tranquility. By focusing our attention on our strengths and the support of interpersonal relationships, we can face the new year with renewed optimism.
At the start of this year, I invite everyone to commit to the journey of self-knowledge and growth. By confronting our inner conflicts, resolving unfinished business and cultivating a positive mindset, we build the foundations for a year full of possibilities and achievements.
With renewed hope and peace of mind, we wish you a new year full of success and emotional well-being.
References:
Frankl, V. E. (1984). Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
Rogers, C. R. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal relationships, as developed in the client-centered framework. In (ed.) S. Koch, Psychology: A Study of a Science. McGraw-Hill.
Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421.