Lorelie Rozzano is a guest blogger for Vertava Health. 6 Things You Can Do To Guarantee 2017 Is Your Best Year Yet. Have you ever wondered why some people are happier and more successful than others? It’s not because they’re born with a silver spoon in their mouth, or that life sprinkles fairy dust on them. They don’t have the much-sought-after key to success stitched into their trouser pocket. It’s simple. These folks are successful because of one thing – they maintain a positive attitude. Successful people don’t lack problems, they just meet them head on. If you want to change your life, these six things will guarantee 2017 is your best year yet. If you’re struggling with addiction (yours or a loved ones) – stop. It sounds simple because it is – when you surrender. Your struggle isn’t with people, places or things. Your struggle is accepting what is. Or more precisely, denying what is – or refusing to go to any lengths to achieve wellness. You don’t get to do what you want and then get well. There are no shortcuts in recovery. In order to achieve success, you must be willing to do what’s needed. This is why it’s simple; for the first year of my recovery I didn’t make any decisions on my own. Addiction had messed with my brain and I couldn’t trust my thinking. I had poor impulse control and my judgment was still impaired. So I put my trust in the people and professionals who were helping me. That was almost 20 years ago. It was humbling to realize my best thinking was killing me, but that was the truth. My advice to you, follow suggestions and get out of the driver’s seat. With a little help, difficult roads can lead to amazing new destinations. Practice gratitude. Don’t compare yourself or your journey to others, you have no idea what their struggles are. Instead of focusing on others, focus on you. Start and end your day by giving thanks. No matter what your circumstances are at this very minute, appreciate what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don’t. It doesn’t matter if your car is old, at least you have a car! Whether you like your job or not, is irrelevant. The fact is, your paycheck puts a roof over your family’s head and food in their stomach. The more you give thanks, the more grateful you’ll feel. Practicing gratitude on a daily basis is a life changer. When you feel grateful you foster a positive attitude. New doors will open for you. But better yet, you’ll have more energy, you’ll feel blessed and you will love your life! Complain less, do more. Do you find you complain a lot? If so, you’re not alone. For many, complaining or feeling victimized is a way of life. Complaining is easy. It’s a dishonest way of justifying unhealthy behaviors. For example, complaining about a loved one who uses substance but doing nothing to change your role in the relationship. Complainers are verbal, but they don’t take action. They stay in jobs, relationships and situations they don’t like, blaming people, places and things for the quality of their life. Complainers feel miserable and stuck. The next time you catch yourself complaining, ask yourself this – what is my part? You may not be able to change your job right away, but you can take steps to do so. Go back to school. Take an online course. Go to a meeting. Do one thing that moves you in the right direction. Change starts with a single step, so get moving! Embrace your pain. Pain is your teacher. It tells you when something is wrong, or not to put your hand on the stove top burner again. The next time you feel hurt, sad or overwhelmed, don’t roll up into a little ball or reach for something to take it away. Instead, get curious. What is your pain trying to teach you? Don’t recoil from it. Ignoring pain by numbing out, shutting down and drawing inwards, or by abusing substance will only make it worse. Stop asking ‘why me’ and instead, say, ‘Why not me?’ Beyond pain is healing and emotional maturity. Learn to view difficult times as character builders and steps to wisdom, instead of something to be avoided. Step out of your comfort zone. Is there something you really want to do but you’re afraid to do it? Do you get excited about new possibilities but then never experience them? Do you live within the confines of a small space? Have your feelings imprisoned you? Have you ever heard the expression feel your fear and do it anyway? Don’t let your emotions stop you from trying new things. Don’t limit yourself because you’re afraid. Change occurs at the end of your comfort zone. Watch Your Expectations. Shakespeare said: I always feel happy. You know why? Because I don’t expect anything from anyone. Expectations always hurt. Life is short, so love your life, be happy and keep smiling. Just live for yourself and before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you pray, forgive. Before you hurt, feel. Before you hate, love. Before you quit, try. Before you die, live. Before you die, live... What a profound message! Your quality of life reflects upon the choices you make. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s all about your attitude and willingness. If you aren’t prepared to make the necessary adjustments, don’t complain when nothing changes. You’re only as happy as you decide to be. Once you understand it’s you who sets the limits on your life, change will occur. Make these six suggestions part of your daily life and 2017 will be your best year yet! If you or someone you know needs help, please call this confidential support line for assistance 844-470-0410.
6 Things You Can Do To Guarantee 2017 Is Your Best Year Yet.
