You might think it’s a bit late in the month to start thinking about resolutions, but New Year itself is a bad time to try to change your behaviour. There is too much going on and too many temptations. And actually, this is more some gentle observations about living life over the next 365 days, supported by music, than your actual full-on resolutions.
It is always good though to plan how you are going to change your behaviour and who will support you, rather than just leaving it all to wishful thinking and good intentions. So as Joe Jackson sang, You Can’t Get What You Want ‘Til You Know What You Want. Thinking about this isn’t a one-off thing but is worth reviewing every now and then.
So, what’s next on my playlist? How about Year of Decision by The Three Degrees followed by Que Sera Sera (Whatever Will Be) sung by the Holly Cole Trio. Two very different songs; one emphasising the importance of taking action, and the other that we can’t control everything that happens to us. I personally think it’s useful to remember both these things. Otherwise, we can just drift but also blame ourselves for when life takes a wrong turn despite our best efforts. I know I can do this.
Although this is a mental health website, there is evidence to suggest that people with mental health challenges are generally more likely to have physical health problems too. So, this is a reminder to all of us, service users and professionals alike, to be aware of this and do our best around things like exercise, food, drinking, drugs and smoking. If you need any help or to know more about these topics, our courses are a good place to start. I’ve chosen Libby Roderick’s Body is the Temple of the Soul to help me remind to remember to periodically check out my body’s needs.
Other than that, generally, most of what I want for this coming year is the mindset to cope with whatever life throws at me. The idea is to come back to the songs I’ve mentioned regularly as a reminder and to boost your determination. Alternatively, pick your own music to help you with the next 12 months.
Information from: “No health without mental health”. Information from: “People with severe mental illness experience worse physical health”.