4 R’s to help us end the year on a positive note

R Respond rather than react to challenges– Take a deep breath, and pause…wait a while before you respond to an insulting remark, an irritation or an offensive action. As adults we need to choose to be intentional in our thoughts, words and actions. Be kind to others as we rarely know what challenges they are facing..

R Root out negative thinking– abandon victim thinking and take responsibility for positive changes in your lifestyle. The cycle of negative thinking can be difficult to break, but you can… remember to not say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to someone else. Choose to be kind to yourself.

R Replace negative with positive self talk– Speak kind encouraging words to yourself. We need to show grace and compassion as we would to a friend, allowing ourselves space to be creative and re- energize. Strive to be intentional in developing an attitude of gratitude by setting aside a time each day to be mindful of the positives in your life. We need to choose to shift our focus to what is going well…

R Reach out to others and actively encourage who you meet on your daily walk– verbalize appreciation, acknowledge contributions, show interest in someone else’s journey – we all have a role to play in lifting each other up beyond the challenges of this year.

Practising the above 4 R’s should help us all conclude the year with positive patterns of thought and action, …. holding promise for the year ahead!