By Nancy Stoops

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

A brand new year is here.  It offers a fresh start and a new chance for all.  Happy New Year to everybody!  I hope you had a peaceful and joyful holiday season.  I bet you’re thinking about what you would like to accomplish this New Year.

Let me start by saying, don’t look backward or forward, just look at today.  What would you like to do with today?  What are some behaviors you would like to change?  What do you want from today?  If you can answer these questions and do what you need to, you are on your way.

All we have is today so behave in a new way that moves you closer to your goals.  If you continue with that new behavior for the days in your future, you will eventually meet those goals.

Start this year being filled with hope and a new found belief in yourself.  Please don’t pay attention to past failures.  Instead focus on the here and now, because it truly offers a new chance.  Isn’t the thought of a chance for a brand new start exciting?  All you need is to believe, and I think anything is possible.

So learn to believe in yourself and in brand new starts.  Just for a moment close your eyes and see yourself meeting your goals and how very great you feel.

Brand new starts require brand new, positive attitudes.  So leave that negative attitude with your past and for today and all the new days to follow, believe you can fly and that there are no limits.  Make this year about making your dreams come true.  Take this New Year and become who you are truly intended to be.

I wish you peace, joy and luck in learning to embrace your very wonderful life!