New Year, New You

Maggie Shumpert

MA, LPC

1/5/2026

As cliché as it sounds, this is a good time to decide what the “new you” will look like. I don't mean 10 pounds lighter, more muscle, or anything like that. However, you can be lighter, mentally. Starting a new year with a fresh mindset is key to having a great one. Now, I don’t mean thinking positive will lead to only positive things happening to you this year, but having a more positive mindset will make it even easier to deal with the stressful and upsetting things that may occur.

When we choose to have a positive mindset, no matter what life throws at us, it makes managing those curveballs even easier. You may be wondering how to have a more positive attitude. It takes practice, but it becomes easier the more you do it. First thing, take some slow deep breaths; in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then add the word “doesn’t” to your vocabulary. I know what you are thinking, “Why add a negative word into my vocabulary?” What I mean is when you have the negative thought, “What if this bad thing happens?” Add “doesn’t” into the sentence. “What if this bad thing doesn’t happen?”

Our brains tend to gravitate toward the scary possibility, but we don’t consider the probability in most situations. If we think about it, most things in life are possible, but are they probable? Most of the time, the answer is “No, they aren’t likely. This doesn’t mean that bad things can’t happen, but the horrible thing we are thinking may happen, probably won’t. However, if it does, having a more positive mindset will help us to face that scary situation with strength and courage.

So, as you enter this new year, I pray that you will find peace and joy in the future. Happy New Year!