When Yogi Caryn starts a practice she states, “Set an intention“. So let’s borrow her recommendation as we enter a new year. Rather than conjuring up a plan of action, why not make it as simple as possible? Put a smile on your face and wish yourself a ‘Good Morning!’ Don’t wait to say it to a stranger. Incorporate yourself into your well wishes, stating your intention to have a good day right from the start.

We know that smiling and positive affirmations change blood flow within the brain, so why not use them to stimulate an improved outlook? Positive thinking reduces memory loss and cognitive decline. Let it act as a directive for your day…. and new year. When you anticipate good, you are training your brain to look for the positive, not negative aspects of your day. Even acknowledging good in others brings more good into your own life. Could something so simple actually work?

When you step through the doors of the cancer center, for chemo, radiation, check ups, or scans, modifying your thoughts will bring a calm acceptance and improve your experience. I’ve seen my share of pulling of hair, gnashing of teeth, abject fear and even hostility. None of that improves a patient’s outcome. It’s why exam room one is such a sacred place for me. Transitioning the patient and family from ‘woe is me’ to action plans for power, success and even healing, not only changes the trajectory, it sets a tone and carves a path that is enlightened. What a wonderful gift when we can achieve this for ourselves and our family.

No, life is not easy. Disease is awful. Families are fractured. Finances are strained. Hearts are broken with loss. I would never minimize your pain. But if we can try something so simple that can affect our day, let’s do it every single morning in this new year. No time to wait. No diet or new year’s resolution required. Just a gift to ourselves that sets the tone for each day.
As we enter this New year, let us have hope. Let us look for joy. Let us give love to others and ourselves.