Now that the final celebrations of the year 2020 are about to close, we turn our attention to the new beginnings of 2021 that lay before us. As we prepare to embrace our new beginnings, past experiences can help us to decide our future course. According to ancient roman mythology, Janus is known as the god of beginnings, gates, thresholds, passages and endings. Often depicted as having two faces, one looking to the past and one looking to the future, with the idea that we are constantly evolving into our future. Our past embodies everything that we have learned and experienced and what has been taught to us from the sages that have come before us. As we stand on the cusp of a new year, given all the challenges of the past, of pain, loss, joy, new discoveries, letting go, etc. this moment offers opportunities for healing and strengthening our resolve. As with the healing from an injury, there is often pain in the process of healing. Life is replete with symbolic opportunities of transition. If we choose to take this time to briefly pause, to collect our thoughts and experiences and to plan our future actions, it can help propel us forward.
Key Takeaways
As we were taught as children, it is important to look both ways before we cross.
We can create our future, first in our hearts, then in our thoughts and finally by our activities.
Pain and healing are part of the same continuum.
Best Practices
Make each moment matter.
Share your planning with people you trust to be truthful.
Practice healthy behaviors.
Things to Limit
Not allowing time for healing.
Not allowing for moments of gratitude.
Forgetting the past.
Quote of the Week
“Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateway that leads to new beginnings.”
~ Ralph Blum
In summary, now can be a time that offers us the opportunity to state our hope during uncertainty. As 2021 is only a few days away, our hope for each of you is good health, peace and agency.
Be well,
Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD
The paraDocs
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The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
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