Hey Yvonne! I also notice these trends in the approach to each new year and what people collectively intend. This year I definitely noticed people on social media posting what they wished to have MORE OF or LESS OF. A way to organize their lists--things to increase; things to avoid. I think most of us have certain things we struggle with, struggles that are likely to accompany us throughout our lives. We have to befriend these things, knowing they travel alongside us. I once asked a therapist when I would be "over" certain problems I had. I felt impatient after being in therapy for a few years, in my mid-thirties, and wanted to know why it wasn't making these problems disappear. The therapist, a very wise woman told me that I would never be cured of these challenges. They were mine. She said you will just learn to manage them better. And over the years, I learned she was right. It was about managing the things I struggle with. Not conquering. All this to say, I like your term "continuance," because it captures more the ongoing nature of our human struggle and strife. It's more realistic. Keep on keeping on. That alone is a huge feat for some people. Also, Yay for more cats in the house, and morning walks! Love, Melanie
Hi Melanie, thanks for your thoughtful reply. My therapist said the same thing to me :) Also in terms of my symptoms. They might disappear, but they might also stick around. Accepting that these things will travel with us is hard though. And yes, continuance feels like a softer, mor holistic perspective than setting impossible goals/resolutions. Every day, I do my best to continue doing the things that support my health and well-being, and a lot of baggage is left along the way, because I do not have the energy to carry it (like a lot of social "rules", ideas about what it means to live a "good" and "fulfilled" life, etc.). It's wonderful having two cats - more cuddles and cuteness; plus, I feel more at ease when I need to leave the house, knowing they have each other. Love, Yvonne
Hey Yvonne! I also notice these trends in the approach to each new year and what people collectively intend. This year I definitely noticed people on social media posting what they wished to have MORE OF or LESS OF. A way to organize their lists--things to increase; things to avoid. I think most of us have certain things we struggle with, struggles that are likely to accompany us throughout our lives. We have to befriend these things, knowing they travel alongside us. I once asked a therapist when I would be "over" certain problems I had. I felt impatient after being in therapy for a few years, in my mid-thirties, and wanted to know why it wasn't making these problems disappear. The therapist, a very wise woman told me that I would never be cured of these challenges. They were mine. She said you will just learn to manage them better. And over the years, I learned she was right. It was about managing the things I struggle with. Not conquering. All this to say, I like your term "continuance," because it captures more the ongoing nature of our human struggle and strife. It's more realistic. Keep on keeping on. That alone is a huge feat for some people. Also, Yay for more cats in the house, and morning walks! Love, Melanie
Hi Melanie, thanks for your thoughtful reply. My therapist said the same thing to me :) Also in terms of my symptoms. They might disappear, but they might also stick around. Accepting that these things will travel with us is hard though. And yes, continuance feels like a softer, mor holistic perspective than setting impossible goals/resolutions. Every day, I do my best to continue doing the things that support my health and well-being, and a lot of baggage is left along the way, because I do not have the energy to carry it (like a lot of social "rules", ideas about what it means to live a "good" and "fulfilled" life, etc.). It's wonderful having two cats - more cuddles and cuteness; plus, I feel more at ease when I need to leave the house, knowing they have each other. Love, Yvonne