Welcome to Consider Yourself Hugged! Click below to watch or Click here to listen to Episode 191
*Disclaimer:
The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources at the end of the show notes, or others in your area.
Hey friends, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Can you believe it? Last time we recorded, it was right before Christmas, and now it’s just before New Year’s. If you’re listening to this on the day it comes out, it’s officially New Year’s Day. Cheers to fresh starts!
Holiday Reflections
I’ve got to say, for meChristmas was cozy and chaotic in the best way. My sons were home for the holidays, and even my daughter stayed the night—well, actually, they all kind of invaded my office 😊 My son worked in there, my daughter slept there for two nights, and they all agreed it’s such a cozy and quiet spot. I’ve put up curtains and decorations to make it a happy little nook, and I love hearing that they felt that too.
Michelle also revamped her office for the new year. She and David rearranged things to make it more spacious and peaceful, and it’s amazing how much difference a little change can make. She’s closer to a window now, and it’s changed the whole sound dynamic for her recordings. Oh, and I noticed her kindness sign in the background. She’s got others that say faith and dream—all great reminders as we step into a new year. AND Michelle and her family went to the ICE exhibit at Gaylord – pics below of that AND her new office!
Funny Holiday Stories
I’ve got to share this: Lindsey, my daughter, had a wild Thanksgiving Eve incident. She got her finger sucked into a meat tenderizer. Yep, a KitchenAid mixer with two spiked rollers. It was six hours in the ER, stitches, and a crushed finger. She’s healing now! I always get ornaments for Christmas, and this year was easy for her: a little KitchenAid mixer and a medical finger splint. I’m weird, I know, but Lindsey posted on Instagram that I “won” the ornament game. Not that it’s a contest, but I kind of nailed it.
New Year's Eve traditions in the United States
1. Times Square Ball Drop
One of the most iconic New Year's Eve celebrations takes place in Times Square, New York City, where a giant crystal ball is dropped at midnight. This tradition began in 1907 and has become a symbol of New Year's celebrations in America [1].
2. Midnight Kiss
A popular tradition across the U.S. is the midnight kiss, which is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. This custom has roots in ancient European practices and is a way to ensure that the coming year will not be filled with loneliness [2].
3. Eating Black-Eyed Peas
In the Southern U.S., eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is thought to bring prosperity and good luck. This tradition, known as Hoppin' John, dates back to the Civil War and is believed to have origins in Jewish customs as well [1][2].
4. Fireworks
Fireworks are a staple of New Year's Eve celebrations across the country. This tradition, which likely originated in China, is used to ward off evil spirits and is a way to celebrate the arrival of the new year with a bang [2].
5. Making Resolutions
The practice of making New Year's resolutions is common in the U.S. and is believed to have originated with the Babylonians, who made promises to their gods for a better year. Today, many people use this time to set personal goals and intentions for self-improvement [2].
6. Cabbage and Greens
In many Southern households, eating cabbage or greens on New Year's Day symbolizes wealth and prosperity. The green color is associated with money, and these dishes are often included in New Year's Day feasts [1][2].
7. New Year's Day Parades
Many cities host parades on New Year's Day, with the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, being one of the most famous. These parades often feature elaborate floats, marching bands, and community celebrations [3].
8. Cleaning the House
A common superstition is to thoroughly clean the house before New Year's Day to remove any bad luck from the previous year. This practice is believed to prepare the home for a fresh start in the new year [1].
Why Resolutions Fail
Let’s be honest—resolutions can be tricky. Did you know 80% fail by February, and only 8% of people actually achieve them? Here’s why:
Goals are often too vague or unrealistic.
People rely solely on willpower—and let’s face it, that’s exhausting.
No clear plan or system to follow.
They’re based on societal pressure rather than personal values.
I’ve definitely set resolutions that flopped. Like every year I vow to remember birthdays. No specific plan, no tools—just me winging it. Every year I forget birthdays ☹. Sound familiar?
On a more positive note, a 2019 survey found that nearly 2 out of 3 people achieved some level of success. So we’re focusing on that rather than the word failure.
Setting Intentions That Stick
This year, Michelle and I are focusing on intentions instead of rigid resolutions. It’s about growth, not perfection. One way to make this work is by setting SMART goals:
Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
Measurable: How will you track progress?
Achievable: Is it realistic given your life?
Relevant: Does it align with your values?
Time-bound: What’s your timeline?
For example, instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” try: “I’ll walk for 30 minutes, five days a week, starting January 2.” See the difference?
Momentum and Motivation
One thing that helps me stay on track is habit-stacking. For example, pair a new habit with something you already do. Like, “After brushing my teeth, I’ll meditate for five minutes.” Michelle’s all about showing up, even when it’s hard—she committed to going to the gym three times a week, no excuses. And it worked!
Also, celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Rewards reinforce good habits. For me, it might be watching a favorite show while biking in the garage, a technique known as temptation bundling.
A Powerful Mindset Shift
I keep coming back to a story Michelle and I love—the Pool of Bethesda (listen to hear). There’s a powerful question in it: “Do you want to get well?” Change isn’t just about goals; it’s about what life looks like on the other side. Are you ready for that? Are you willing to commit, even when it’s hard?
Wrapping It Up
This year let’s approach our goals with intention and grace. Whether you’re setting resolutions, making changes, or just taking it one day at a time, remember: progress is success. And hey, if you’re like us and need a nudge, try habit-stacking or temptation bundling to keep the momentum going.
Michelle and I are excited about what’s ahead—maybe even diving into a sleep coaching series next. Let us know what goals you’re working on, and share your stories with us. Cheers to a wonderful New Year, friends. We’re rooting for you!
As I've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.
And until after Thanksgiving, Consider Yourself Hugged 😘🤗
Mental Health Resources:
Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit. Contact Michelle at Silver Lining Psychiatric Solutions, 615-378-7713 or mkixmill@gmail.com.
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
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Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com
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