Finally, 2020 is over and 2021 is here! I notice in myself and in conversation with family and friends a sense of hope about what this year could bring. That it could be different to 2020.
Last year was full of change, uncertainty, and stress; so, I have spent some time over the past few weeks reflecting. I asked myself a number of questions. How was this year for me? What went well? What was hard? Is there anything I want for this year without falling into the New Year’s resolutions/goals trap? Yes, even though I am a Psychologist, I find change hard too.
I watched the video below on Youtube by CGP Grey some time ago and recently re-watched it. I recommend watching it if you get a chance. If not, the main message is rather than setting a resolution or goal that you soon lose motivation to meet – establish a theme. Having a theme for the year helps guide the small choices in the direction you want to go, especially when you do not know what life has in store for you.
CGP Grey – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVGuFdX5guE
I know Year of Health is a traditional choice and likely a very beneficial one. But it does not ‘resonate’ with me. Whereas a Year of Adventure I found appealing and exciting. Something that I felt confident I could achieve and could be passionate about.
So, what does a year of adventure mean? To me is it means taking advantage of and creating opportunities to explore – approaching them with curiosity, fun, and openness. How I do this practically at the moment is resisting the comforting call of the couch and the remote.
I deliberately make plans to try something new. If I’m going to be at home it might be paint by numbers, drawing, or baking. If I’m going out, I try to go somewhere in Sydney I have never been before or re-visit a place I have not been in a long time. Sydney is a beautiful city, and after spending so much time inside, looking at the same walls, last year it is refreshing to re-discover what the city has to offer. With each adventure I find myself experiencing a sense of joy, peace, accomplishment and wonder.
Are you willing to find a theme, for the year or season, that works for you?
Jessica Buster (M Clin Psych, Grad Dip Prof Psych, BA Psych Hons) is passionate about creating a caring and safe space to promote effective working relationships. Jessica applies evidence-based interventions in a client focused and collaborative manner to assist children, young people and their families move towards their goals of growth and wellbeing.
Jessica’s clinical training and experience has equipped her with skills in the assessment and treatment for mental health issues. She has gained experience working in roles across non-profit, hospital and private settings. This has included working as an Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapist and roles at Guardian Youth Care, Headspace, Westmead Children’s Hospital Psycho-Oncology, and Healthy Minds Happy Kids.
Across all her roles, Jessica has pursued her interest in working with children, adolescents and their families experiencing a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, emotion regulation difficulties, behavioural difficulties, social difficulties, and disability. She has been able to promote understanding and engagement with these clients by integrating a sense of fun and creativity into treatment.