The New Year can be exciting: a fresh start, new goals and resolutions, the creation of vision boards, and gatherings with friends. A year full of memories, accomplishments, and moments you will forever hold onto. You may reflect on what you gained, what you lost, and what you are still carrying, and suddenly you realize how quickly the year flew by. Anxiety creeps in quietly and you may question yourself:

“Did I do enough?”
“Am I where I should be?”
“Did I make myself and my family proud?

The excitement of new beginnings suddenly feels overwhelming with more pressure on your shoulders. You may feel disappointed in what you couldn’t do — why didn’t I travel more, get my license, go to school, save more money, or see my friends and family more often? You may find yourself comparing yourself to others on social media or your imagined self and where you should be today. Sound familiar?

The heaviness you are feeling is normal. We often experience mixed emotions with the upcoming new year. You may feel stuck, doubtful of your resolutions, and uncertain about what January will bring. When these feelings arise, it is important to remind yourself what you are grateful for, what has gone right this year, and practice mindfulness:

Recognize and feel through your emotions — Ask yourself: “Why do I feel uncertain, doubtful, or anxious about the new year?” By acknowledging your emotions in a careful way, you can reflect on what is to come while reminding yourself that it is okay to not have everything figured out.
Small mindful habits — having a morning routine with small mindful habits can help you transition into the new year and help improve your mood to what lies ahead. For example, writing down 5 things you are grateful for, going to the gym, or journalling is a great way to ground yourself
Move slowly — Resolutions can often feel overwhelming. Try not to feel rushed to meet your goals at the beginning of the year. Remember that staying present and in the moment while also being kind to yourself invites mental clarity and happiness.
Take one day at a time — Remind yourself that each day is a step towards your goals and that small progress is still progress. Some days you may just show up for yourself and just know that this is enough.

Allow yourself some grace as the new year approaches. Celebrate the progress you have made — a job promotion, graduating from school, buying a car, and feel proud of yourself for the struggles you endured while holding space for growth and new beginnings. The new year doesn’t have to feel scary: try your best to embrace the uncertainty you may feel and trust that individual growth comes with the unfamiliar. Not knowing what the year ahead holds is okay. Letting go of what we can’t control will help you to have compassion for yourself and feel less anxious about new opportunities.

Remind yourself to:

Trust your journey — every experience, challenge, and success help create the person you hope to be
Practice self-compassion — talk to yourself like someone you love. Your worth is not tied to a single year and there is always room for growth
Be present — stay connected to your hobbies, family, and friends. Sometimes it really is the little things in life.
Celebrate your small victories — every step forward or backward is something to be proud of.

Closing Thoughts

As the new year approaches, remember that each day is an opportunity for growth and self-care, and try to think of January as a blank page to be written. Set goals that excite you, connect with the relationships that bring you happiness, and take small, gradual steps towards being the person you hope to be. You can write your own story — be proud of where you are and where you will be even if you face hardships along the way.

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