In the blink of an eye, Christmas is over and we are back into a new year. Perhaps you are feeling excited about the year ahead or maybe there is some anxiety there. You may have some work goals to meet, perhaps you are about to start a family or enter a new relationship, or you might be facing a health challenge.  There will be many things that each of us will be navigating that are unique to us, we are on our journeys and we will be experiencing emotions related to what we would like to do, or need to do this year

So hello to 2025. How are you feeling about it? Are you excited about the year ahead or do feel some trepidation? It is okay if you do. We all know that life can unexpectedly change in an instant and we will need to adapt and cope.

I reflected on this last night as we sat enjoying the glow of the fire, I noticed a shadow flicker at the side of the wall. On closer inspection, we discovered a large bee/hornet who may have very well been hibernating in the logs that we had not long brought into the house. Within minutes there were more and suddenly our relaxed, cosy evening was disrupted. Windows open, we tore around locating them, trying to navigate the insects out. Feeling awful as we had disturbed them, knowing they would not fare well in the cold weather.

After about 30 min, normality resumed and we settled down but not after having to rearrange furniture and items moved. Our heartbeats eventually slowed and we settled back to the fire.

This is just a really simple example of how quickly things can change, either in a good way or in a more challenging way. With both, we need to adapt and change, and even if something is a good change it does not mean we don't need support as we follow a new path.

 

Life can be joyous

When life is good, it's good. Having good people around us, experiencing new things, perhaps doing an activity we love,  enjoying our work, laughing, and feeling healthy physically and mentally. We feel we can take on the world.  Where is your happy place? Mine is outside, somewhere beautiful, and quiet, like a vast empty beach or an area that stretches out to the horizon.  I also love days curling up with a book and my cats around me. In those moments we are all safe, well, and content. Those simple moments are often for me the most precious.

Life is challenging

In the blink of an eye, things can change and we find ourselves having to navigate the harder parts of 'life'. It can be for a short time or it can be something that stays with us for a longer time. Both are when we need to dig deep, as we take steps to move through it, making decisions, and hoping for things to improve. We can have moments when we feel so tired and it can be very difficult.

I have navigated a fair few challenges in life, and I have been at times so weary and have had to really 'dig deep' looking for solutions. We can surprise ourselves as to what we can sustain but I also know that sometimes we need to know when to say 'I need some help'. Even when we choose things for ourselves it does not mean that it is always easy. We may move jobs and be excited about that but it will present new challenges in ways that we may not have considered. I have moved country several times, the latter time I moved, I remember in particular as such an exciting time and I felt energized and happy. I do remember also having days where I sat and cried and felt sad.  

It is okay to ask for help, and there is no shame in doing so. We all need help at times, some things are just really hard, and getting some support can make all the difference.

We can do hard things but there are times we need an extra hand to help us do that.

 

What does help look like?

1. Emotional Support

Often getting support can be reaching out to a friend or someone close to you. Talking and getting another perspective on things. By sharing with trusted loved ones you can receive empathy, understanding, and encouragement.

2. Support Groups

Join groups related to your specific challenge (bereavement groups,  substance recovery programs, mental health groups). These groups can provide you with a sense of belonging and shared experience.

3. Professional Support

Find a counsellor that you can talk to in confidence and help you to navigate the challenges you are facing.  Coaches and mentors can help too with guidance and practical strategies.

4. Practical Support

Communities have lots of resources and can offer assistance with housing, food, childcare, and other needs. Non-profit organisations and charities are great sources of support for people with a range of difficulties such as illness, homelessness, or domestic violence. An example of this in the UK is refuge.org support those affected by domestic violence.

5. Online and Helpline Support

There are crisis hotlines that provide immediate and anonymous support for mental health, abuse, and suicidal thoughts. There are also online communities, forums, etc where you can connect with people who have faced similar challenges.

6. Self-care and Personal Strategies

Looking after you. There are several ways to help you to sustain yourself through the harder moments of life. These could be:

Mindfulness practices: Journaling, meditation, breathwork, yoga.

Educational resources: Books, podcasts, and courses on personal development or specific challenges can be empowering.

Exercise and nutrition:  Walk, exercise, eat healthily, reduce alcohol intake, and aim to keep good sleep habits. Looking after our physical body is so important during these times.

7. Workplace and Academic Support

Speak to your workplace, some have confidential support services for mental health and life challenges. Human resources can help and offer you support. Students can seek support through their trusted teachers or university tutors.

Remember

Recognizing the problem is the first step to addressing it. It is also always okay to reach out and let others know what you are going through. From there you can work with others to develop a plan that is achievable to you and your circumstances.