NEXT week, a new day will equal a new year. Despite all its surprises and shortcomings, I hope 2020 allowed for good mental and physical health.
To those who have had an extraordinarily unfortunate year, I hope you are positive that better will come in the new year. While COVID-19 and many other things will not simply disappear, I hope we can learn healthier ways of dealing with their consequences.

In 2021, our/others mortality, fears, some opportunities and unfortunate events will still be uncontrollable, but our attitudes and behaviour towards ourselves and others, as well as our own perceptions, can and hopefully will be. It is obvious why we celebrate the new year. Much like birthdays, we rejoice because we made it to another year in these hard times — time to our raise our glasses and toast our survival!

My favourite thing about new years has always been resolutions and the hope and determination that accompany them. I’m aware (based on my own actions as well as those around me) that most resolutions only last until the end of January. We tend to give up on these for various reasons — they may have been unrealistic, unimportant or pressured. To solve this- the answer seems obvious. Choose resolutions that you can do, that you want to do and most importantly, that improve your overall quality of life. For a tip, I researched some scientific studies conducted on individuals who made resolutions. Those who planned theirs in detail were 22 percent more likely to succeed. For example, aiming to lose 10 pounds in two months rather than just having the resolution to ‘lose weight.’ The most common one I hear is “My resolution this year is to save money.” That’s perfectly fine and a good goal, but unless you make specific plans, it is almost impossible. For example, it would be best to determine how you are going to save this money and how much per week you are planning to save. What specifically are you going to cut back on? Are you adding on another form of income? Is it $5000 per week you’ll be able to save? More? Less? These details are vital for success as they make the goals seem more realistic and achievable. Additionally, those who told their friends and families about these resolutions were 10 percenr more likely to succeed than those who did not.

I have countless resolutions this year –- all of which I believe are possible with hard work.
They all focus on self-development and are critical in obtaining and maintaining good mental and physical health. Like most others, this year did not allow for me to be my best self.
I would like to share my new resolutions with the hope that some of you may adopt the same ones.
In 2021 I hope to:
– Get better sleep
– Eat and exercise well
– Adopt only healthy coping skills/strategies
– Practise gratitude
– Boost my self-confidence and self-esteem
– Practise positive thinking
– Be aware of my strengths and weaknesses
– Celebrate my victories
– Practise forgiveness

I suggest that everyone keep a journal with their resolutions. Write one thing (every day) that you have done to fulfil each resolution. This will encourage you to keep going, as well as create self-confidence by being able to clearly see your progress.

I urge you all to write in to my email below and tell me what your resolutions are. I can discuss them in the upcoming weeks. I hope this will benefit you as well as encourage others to choose and maintain their own resolutions.

Take some time and reflect on what this year has brought forth — the struggle and the gratitude. Upon reflection, keep your spirit and determination unshaken, maintain faith and courage and look forward to the brightness and new opportunities that 2021 will have to offer
2021 should be the year of active resilience, recovery and maintenance.

Thank you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com, If you’d like to book personal counselling sessions, please call or message +592 623 0433 Suicide Prevention Helpline numbers: 223-0001, 223-0009, 623-4444, 600-7896

Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always