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    Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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  • Stress blog

  • Jan. 9, 2010

    Learning from the past helps us move forward

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

7 comments posted

The holidays are over and we're now into the sometimes bleak months of the new year. The word "January" comes from the Roman god Janus who looks back on the past year but also at the same time looks forward into the new year. So what can we learn from last year that we can apply to the upcoming year?

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If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.

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  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    www.nami.org
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As I reflect on the insights and encouragements from our blog readers, two themes stand out.

  • The importance of listening to our higher power. Many sacred writings and scriptural passages tell us that a higher power or divine force will give us a sign, an insight to direct our lives. Rarely is this a lightening bolt — usually it's a quiet message that gives us guidance. And if we listen to that message, we'll do the right thing.
  • The importance of asking a fundamental question. What do we hope to accomplish this year? If that goal is not written down it does not become concrete, and a year will have gone by and nothing will have happened. If we wish to exercise, finish our education or enhance our skills, the time to start is now.

So the question for each of us is very simple: What is it that we need to do for ourselves this year? Let's write it down, and let's map out a strategy to achieve that goal. Share with us your plans for 2010.

7 comments posted

blog index
  • February 26, 2010 1:02 p.m.

    I would llike to clear out my whole house of all the clutter, get a cookbook and hone my "cooking skills" and listen to more and more positive thinking tapes to keep my mood stable.

    - Barbara A

  • January 19, 2010 8:34 p.m.

    CE if you are relaxing and on your porch and enjoying the day, watching a dog pile drying in the sun can be a positive experience. It certainly makes it easier to pick up.

    - Barbara M

  • January 14, 2010 1:29 p.m.

    First I plan to clean out all the papers I've accumulated over the years and hope I don't shred something important. Then I'll clean the closet of items not worn in the past two years and vow not to think about the consequences. I'll keep on smiling as I hope for the best but plan for the worst in 2010.

    - Roberta S.

  • January 13, 2010 8:33 a.m.

    I would like to think I can do all things with no assistance whatsoever. The question is: What power holds up the stars? This is where a higher power comes in. Yes, I have made that list of goals, some of which are private and personal to me. I do like to share one of my aspirations and that is to pray daily for inspiration from my God on what I can do to enjoy better health and add to the quality of my life and that of others. How can I be of service? This is a quiet knowing I want to receive daily. Thank you for your blog, Doctor Creagan. You are doing a good job. Barbara A, author of "Cry Depression, Celebrate Recovery."

    - Barbara A

  • January 13, 2010 5:44 a.m.

    C.E. why dont you resolve to be less snarky in the new year? My resolution for 2009 was just to outlast it; from the start we have got in 2010 I think that resolution will do for 2010. The only place in Canada where they are NOT having a mini ice age is Vancouver where the Winter Olympics are about to start. And the places people go to get out of the cold are either freezing too or under tsunami watch. End Times anyone?

    - Appleby

  • January 12, 2010 4:43 p.m.

    I think C E is funny! But a little harsh on the blog don't you think. :)

    - BJ

  • January 12, 2010 3:43 p.m.

    This is as helpful as watching a dog pile drying in the sun.

    - C E

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