“New Year, New You” 30-Day Positivity Challenge – Day 5
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Originally published on January 13, 2022. Updated on January 12, 2024.
A Cup of Self-Reflection
What is it about a hot drink that lends itself so readily to self-reflection and self-realization?
Help yourself to an attitude of gratitude in the form of self-reflection and self-realization. Wrap your hands around a warm mug of spiced cider that you take time to sip slowly from a rocker on the front porch.
Don’t have a front porch? Take a walk to your favorite downtown coffee house, and sit and sip on a bench outside the shop. Take some time for self-reflection as you look at the surrounding shops and people milling around.**
Feeling like being with a friend? Make a date to meet for tea or coffee, cocoa, or chai. Relax and let the conversation drift where it may. Give each other the gift of comfortable silence if that’s your momentary pleasure.
Pour a cup of warm cocoa for the kids after school. Electronics off; senses on. Have everyone sit together, maybe at the breakfast nook of your warm and cozy kitchen.
Exercise 5: A Cup of Self-Reflection
On Day 5 of the “New Year, New You” 30-Day Positivity Challenge take the time to be grateful for yourself and all of your excellent qualities. This is an exercise that you can do on your own, or with the aforementioned special people with whom you plan to enjoy that hot drink.
Some questions to ask yourself…
- What makes you special, likable, and different?
- What would you say are your most redeeming qualities?
Imagine if someone were tasked with the job of writing your eulogy – the qualities and gestures you’ll be remembered for during the course of your life.
- What do you think people would say about you? What would you want them to say?
- If the you who you are today isn’t meeting up with the expectations that you have in your own head of who and how you want to be… what changes can you make to move closer to your own personal goals?
Journal It.
Take some time to ruminate over the things about yourself that bring you joy. What parts of your personality and your way of being are you most grateful for? Put pen to paper and make a list.
- Honor the person you were in your childhood, your youth, and your young adulthood if that applies. Acknowledge the path you’ve chosen on your journey with all of its twists and turns.
- Give thanks for who you are today. Look at how far you’ve come, and the ways you’ve changed from your younger, less experienced self.
Celebrate the wiser and more mature “you” of the future. Imagine all that you’ll be tomorrow. Remember that it’s a new year, and in a weird way, tomorrow is today!
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.
7 Comments
Tamara
What a wonderful exercise!
Before I began working for the coffee company, I didn’t even like to *drink* coffee. I did, however, like the concept you’re describing: meeting a friend at a cozy spot for a beverage that smells nice. Yes, I liked the smell of coffe, just not the taste. As it later turned out, there are huge differences in bean quality, roasting and other factors.
Anyway. I think you’ve just inspired the next blog post. Keep your eyes open.
Sinziana
I always say I will start journaling on a basis…but I never do…:D.
Lora Amy Bright
I’ve been thinking a lot about my eulogy recently after being part of my friend’s memorial. I’m not really sure what people would say, honestly. It’s a challenging thought process.
Martha
I’ve always been one to beat my own drum, I lead not follow. If someone was to write my eulogy they would probably write that I talk too much and walk too fast!
Roy A Ackerman, PhD, EA
Loved the concept of pulling up a cup and reflecting…
Elisa Heisman
Coffee or hot chocolate are my go-to drinks when I’m with friends – although a spiced cider sounds heavenly right about now. I love the idea of using the time to sit quietly and be in the moment. Typically, I use it to read my book when I have a few moments to myself. But, I will give it a try next time.
Victoria Juster
Excellent advice as usual, Dominique. The questions that you came up with are a wonderful way to stimulate deep internal contemplation.