7 Ways to Embrace and Accept New Beginnings as an Anxious Person in the New Year

Here we are again - New Year, New You (enter BIG eye roll). You see it everywhere, people walking on a treadmill, chopping and shaking their salads, making vows to put themselves first. Resolutions everywhere! Yes, I enter this post with a little sassiness and a slight chip on my shoulder, but I really do love the freshness of a new beginning. Through the years, I’ve been resistant to embracing and accepting the anxiety and changes that come with new beginnings. As I enter new developmental phases of my life, I’m more open to setting intentional goals/resolutions and wonder if it is more about learning to be okay with change and less about the actual achievement of a goal.

While the notion of time is relative and there is not an actual huge, monumental shift in the world from one minute to the next, the change of the clock at midnight can mark new beginnings to invite us to reflect, renew, and re-set our lives and point us in the direction of alignment. And THAT I am here for.

So if it really is more about our ability to cope and embrace changes rather than the checking off of a box, lets looks at how we can learn to let go a little bit more and embrace the discomfort and any resistant present around change.

Understanding the connection between anxiety and new beginnings

Beginnings signify veering off from the familiar and lead us into uncharted territory, causing a perceived lost sense of control and loss in our sense of safety from our comfort zones. The unknown – whether it is expected or unexpected - is scary to humans. New beginnings can look like many different things—a new job, relocation, the start of a relationship, or even a New Year’s resolution or change in perspective. The uneasiness of leaving the familiar and comfortable behind the familiar can take over any excitement that is present. This uneasiness often looks like persistent intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, and unease that can complicate periods of change.

Acknowledging change is a constant

Say it loud for the people in the back (or you avoidants) CHANGE IS INEVITABLE AND CONSTANT. Embracing this truth allows us to surrender to the ebb and flow of life's transitions.

Surrender.

Let go.

Ride the wave.

Just a few affirmations you might see floating around that speaks to coping with change.

When you can accept it as a natural part of your evolution as a human, Every beginning, resolution, goal, and intention holds within it the potential for growth and alignment.

Letting go of attachments

So what does this mean exactly? Ditching your favorite stuffed animal? Kicking your partner out of the house? Endless trips to Goodwill? Not necessarily and maybe. Attachments can be a variety of things - relationships. material possessions, past experiences, and even your own rigid beliefs. The key is understanding that holding onto attachments can bind and keep us in the past, holding us back from fully embracing the present and welcoming new opportunities and allowing room for things that better serve you with where you are right now.

Letting go of attachments doesn’t devalue their significance to you and your life, rather, it frees you from their emotional hold and frees you to move you in your unique direction. It opens doors to transformations, resiliency, and new beauties/joys in things you may have not noticed in the past.

Practicing presence in the moment

Mindfulness invites us to be present at the moment, easing the discomfort and anxieties around uncertainties that may come in and out during times of transition and change - no matter how big or small. By fostering mindfulness, we cultivate an awareness and use curiosity rather than judgment to explore your inner worlds.

It helps you create a greater sense of self-awareness and emotional regulation, creating the space between the stirring and response or story you want to attach.
Not sure where to start? Here are some guided meditations for you to try.

Embracing impermanence

Impermanence, is a philosophical concept addressed in a variety of religions and philosophies and prominent in the Buddhism practice. In Buddhism, impermanence is known as “annica.” and refers to the fundamental principle that all things in the world are ever-changing. It is thought to be one of the main marks of existence - influencing our thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Accepting the impermanence of life frees us from the weight of expectations and attachments. It is a profound - albeit also difficult - acceptance that everything in life is transient. moving.

It's an essential truth that applies to all things - the physical, emotional (feelings), logical (thoughts), and your experiences. Understanding impermanence is help and encourages you to let go of attachments, cultivate mindfulness in the present, and develop a deeper acceptance of the nature of reality.

If you’re not ready to be a Buddhist monk just yet, all good, you can still apply these concepts to your daily life practically. It’s particularly helpful in learning to let go, knowing that life is constantly in movement - including your emotions. It makes it a heck of a lot easier to let a feeling be (especially if it is a difficult one) if you know it’s not going to last forever.

Here’s a video if you want some more.

Nurturing Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is the practice of being kind and understanding to yourself, particularly when you're experiencing pain or failure. In short - don’t treat yourself like an a-hole. The idea is that if you can be kinder to yourself when things aren't going your way while holding yourself accountable, then hopefully that will translate into a greater ability to cope with difficult feelings that come with it as well as be able to hold greater compassion for others as well. Treating yourself with kindness, acknowledge your efforts, and be patient with the process can really go a long way.

Fun fact! Self-compassion (and compassion for others) is based in science and research (not just some feel-good, therapy mumbo jumbo)! Consciously generating helpful, positive emotions and self-compassion engages the vagus nerve and creates a feeling of safety - how cool is that! The vagus nerve consists of our nervous system, is connected to our entire body and controls things like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Check out this blog for more details around the benefits of self-compassion, and click on the image below for practical steps.

Getting comfy with vulnerability

People avoid vulnerability like the plague and will go great lengths to protect themselves from emotional exposure. Sorry, folks, there’s no getting away from it! When you allow yourself the opportunity to be vulnerable, you acknowledge your own humanity and the humanity of others. You can accept your strengths and imperfections while increasing your connection with all parts of yourself. It is through vulnerability that genuine connections are formed with not only yourself but also with others, increasing empathy, compassion and authenticity. It helps us step out of our comfort zones, take risks, and opens yourself up for new beginnings and experiences - and new resolutions/goals. Allow yourself to be vulnerable in new beginnings. Vulnerability opens the door to authentic connections, opportunities for growth, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Bottom line

Everyone experiences change and new beginnings in their life, and with it excitement and freshness. What can also come up quickly is overwhelmed and anxiety in response to the unknown and change. By incorporating mind shifts and daily practical coping skills, you can embrace change and new beginnings with clarity and peace.

Therapy can help

If you feel like you’re getting stuck along the way or want more guided support, it may be time to seek a consultation with a therapist. Contact Real Well Therapy here or call 512-686-7009.

Want to learn more about how anxiety therapy can help you? Click here!

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Disclaimer: the information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional consultation. If you are experiencing emotional distress, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional.