Solo Practice

I've been wanting to write this post for a while.  And the New Year seems an appropriate time to do so.

Everything in life is a choice.  EVERYTHING!  The choices aren't always between two positives or one positive and a negative.  They can be between two negatives but there is always choice in everything we do.

This combined with the fact that where you are situated today, your personal health, your personal finances, your professional life....all are a culmination of the choices you have made over the course of your life.  Yes, some things are thrust upon us whether we ask for them or not but how we react to unasked for situations becomes our choice.  Choices, choices, choices.

2009 is a year most I know are facing with trepidation.  It is fear of the unknown because so many things upon which we rely simply are now unreliable.  The economy, jobs, energy, health care, our country is in major tumult and many are just hoping to hold on for the ride until the earth stops shaking.  Others are simply in denial.  And yet others are feeling anxious and depressed and are sinking.  See, I just laid out three choices.  There is a fourth.  Take an honest assessment of where you are, how you got there (if only not to repeat the mistakes or to repeat and improve upon the wise moves) and then start planning for how you are going to make your ride into the next year healthier, smarter, smoother and in control.

If you are employed, plan for unemployment so you are not caught up short.  If it doesn't happen, great.  If it does you are prepared with a plan B and can move into action.

If you are unhealthy, plan and make choices for health because a healthy mind and body helps with a positive outlook and helps you make better decisions in all aspects of your life.

Keep a 'positive' social network, one that is upbeat and encouraging.  You are not required to bemoan others' fates or to commiserate with those who are choosing to be depressed.  This, too, is a choice.  You are responsible for your own emotional well-being and the company you keep, no one else.

Start to be happy with less material things.  It is very freeing. You don't own things...they own you.  Think about that.  Make sure you are happy with what owns you.  Otherwise, get rid of it. 

2009 will truly be a year of the unknown.  You now have the unprecedented freedom and ability to make changes in your life this year because the world as we know it will be turned upside down.  You decide if it will be a positive experience in your life now and going forward.  Don't pay attention to what others are saying and doing unless it reinforces your choices.  Trust yourself enough to take control.

Just typing out loud....

Happy New You.

(And in case you didn't see, check out our recent faculty announcements at Solo Practice University.

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