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Dear Dr. Cherrye,

Each new year reigns in a time for innovative ideas, trends, and resolutions. I am an optimistic who just lives and let live. In the past, I have dabbled in a variety of new year hopefuls, and gimmicks, but I am ready for ‘out of the box’ newness that bursts with energy, meaning and purpose.

What new year hopefuls are you thinking of, Dr. Vasquez, which can be shared with me and audiences all over? I am ready for changes.

Dear I’m ready for Changes,

I always recommend going into the new year anticipating new year hopefuls that are uplifting for people everywhere. To do this, we must think positive as we take initiatives for positive change. For some, change is intentional, paradigm shifts, but for others change may not be as easy because there may be environmental issues and hindrances that must be carved out and removed from their lives. Regardless, we must start somewhere, and I am also concerned about a person’s mental state.

Taking the first step may mean that we set goals. It may also mean that we must lean on others for motivational support until we can become independent. I might add here that independence should be a goal.

Personally, I have made changes in my life that I felt best suited my psyche and mental state. I want to advise my audience to do the same. The change I am referring to is loving certain people who were once in my life from healthy distances.

If I began to feel frustrated, get a headache too often while in their company, and the relationship was just going nowhere – goodbye. After careful soul searching and contemplation, I carved them straight out of my life. I want to caution readers to do the above tenderly, however, because I believe in friendships, kindness, and having company around when needed. No one should be lonely for too long. Below I have listed a few ideas that helped me. Use what you feel is needed in your lives and ignore the others.

Acquaintances/Friendships

• I ridded myself of anyone in my life that did not add substance and joy. Although I am occasionally in touch, these people are no longer constants in my life. I am kind, loving and thoughtful, but that is as far as it goes.

• I ridded myself of people who I felt were negative. These people are ‘downers’ who never had anything good to say about others. They belittled and berated people in every conversation, and they drained by positive energy – ‘be gone!’

• I have begun to network with other people learning about their interests and determining if we have like interests.

• I believe in exploring and categorizing people into what values they can add to my life, and me in theirs. It is a two-way friendship, so there are those who I can talk to on a regular basis and others who are just okay that I see on occasion at church, or at gatherings such as parties.

All these ideas take time. There is no need to rush into relationships that may fail, but I want to caution everyone to KNOW what they want to accomplish in the new year.

Family Time/Pets

At the top of anyone’s list should be time spent with the people who you love, especially the people who live in your home, but your extended families are just as important to your family dynamics.

Each family member is unique but add value to one another in special ways. Having close-knit family ties emits emotional support, and increases overall health, so please find time to include your loves in activities, and it does not have to be expensive.

If you have pets to love on, or new babies in your families, they are sure to energize while putting huge smiles on your faces, too.

Exercise

If you exercise, keep it up! If not, add exercising to your daily routines. Exercising also helps clear your mind and strengthens your body. Recently, I purchased a treadmill. When I am using it, I have time to think through my day, and I pray. For me, this is gratifying. Do you like to walk? If so, take walks in the park, in your back yard, or carve a space out in your home. Whatever you do, or choose, just find your inner peace and go for it!

If you like playing games with your family, find time to do so. Grab a calendar and schedule family fun nights. Get into your PJs, order a pizza, get your snacks ready and laugh the night away with the ones you love so much. Hey! If you are tired of games, agree on a movie that you can watch with your family. If this gets old, have a talk with your family about taking turns, and each family will be assigned to produce innovative ideas for family time together.

Take the dog for a walk or spend time attending to any animal that has been brought into your home. Just get going and enjoy life! Do you like to read books? Find a book club. This is a great way to make new friends while sharing your points of views and input about the assigned book of the month.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating can be an expensive change, but it is essential to a healthy mindset and body. Look at it this way, you can either pay now (with expensive groceries) or pay later (with health issues). Which would you choose? I know my answer. I am betting that I know yours, too. For additional ideas from health experts, take a look at this article, “The Definitive Guide to Healthy Eating in Real Life”, written by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD on June 24, 2021 — Medically reviewed by Sade Meeks, MS, RD, NutritionHealthline Media a Red Ventures Company; 2005-2022.

Be sure to get annual physicals and study your test results. Know your numbers and do not be afraid to ask your primary care physician questions. You can also perform your own research as you look at outcomes and make necessary changes to your health regimen. If cooking is an issue for you and you are not getting your daily vitamins, ask your doctor about vitamin supplements.

Job Changes

Do not be afraid to change jobs. Look at what these experts have to say about this marginal topic, “Taking the Leap: What Can Changing Jobs Do For You?” (May 3, 2022) written by Brianna Graham, MPH and Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD. VeryWellMind, 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc.

I loved going to work whenever I was not only making a financial, and comfortable living, but it was fun, fun, fun! Yes! I worked hard and delivered my work on time, but it was inviting and I found great pleasures arriving, and then completing tasks.

Whenever I began a job that I felt dissatisfying, I began to look for change. This may not work for everyone because of the career paths studied in college and then chosen fields, but where possible go for happiness. I did!

Now Go For It!

So now you have it. Go into 2023 with new year hopefuls making purposeful and intentional strides for a beautiful, blessed new year, and please come back to share the changes you have decided to make in your life. I want to hear from you. Okay?

OPEN FOR COMMENTS

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.

IMPORTANT

I have made it my mission to assist parents and educators in resolving the bullying issues children suffer. Offering your feedback and suggestions in the comment section could facilitate meaningful dialogue on this critical issue among ourselves and I encourage this. I will respond to each comment in a timely way. Should you wish to speak privately with me, please email me at cherryeVasquez@gmail.com and I will reply promptly.

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