Ending is just a beginning

As we draw a close to 2020 and start the new year, we will undoubtedly be looking back at a remarkable year; a year that none of us could have predicted. Reflecting on what has happened can be an useful and often therapeutic process. For many of us there may have been tragedy and sorrow, struggle and loss; for others there may have been opportunities for change and growth. Whatever our experience, we will all be facing the end of another year and the start of a new one.

Endings tend to involve evaluation or assessment. If you have sat an exam is it not to assess how much you have learnt over the past months or even years. Or perhaps you have an annual appraisal at work to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your role. These processes may be uncomfortable for some of us but can be a springboard to further personal development.

Many of our challenges, particularly in relation to the Covid pandemic, will not have gone away. But like any milestone, putting the past behind and looking forward to what is ahead can have a powerful psychological impact on our well-being and our ability to be resilient. It is not about ignoring what has happened, but asking ourselves how we are doing. It is not about minimising the challenges but recognising the hurdles and acknowledging our successes, however small.

The Bounce Back Project has classified the qualities necessary for resilience as: self-awareness, mindfulness, self-care, positive relationships & purpose.

Being on the cusp of the new year gives us the opportunity to assess how we are doing in terms of these 5 aspects of resilience. It is important to be honest with ourselves about how we are feeling and coping. Only then can we address how we can better cope. Looking after ourselves physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally will reap positive rewards; as will having friends, family, colleagues or mentors who help to encourage us. It is also beneficial to us when we act positively towards other; a smile can work wonders. Having a sense of purpose comes in many forms. This year you may have been stretched to your limit or felt redundant. But purpose can be found in the everyday things that we do.

If you need help with developing resilience or you want to look at setting goals for your future, a trained counsellor can be part of this process. If you have never had an appointment with a counsellor before, trying a free 30 minute remote online session may help you decide if this will benefit you.

Diane, EWG Counsellor