By Melanie VanderPol-Bailey
 

As we celebrate the New Year, we often reflect and take inventory on the past twelve months.  We may find ourselves placing events and occurrences into certain categories: good, bad, easy, hard, happy or difficult.  Sometimes we can get stuck in the hard times, or what we now think should have or could have been done differently. 

The beginning of a New Year can also project us forward, into resolution mode.  This takes our minds into the future; the new exercise program, diet, goals to be better, to finish that project we had set out to complete last year at this time.  While it can be helpful to spend time in reflection and set goals for the coming year, we need to remember on the precious time of now. 

What do you notice right now?  Who is with you in this moment?   What do you see, hear, feel and smell?   Author and Historian Alice Morse Earle (1851-1911) reminds us to be focused on the now when she wrote, “Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  Today is a gift.  That is why it is called the present.” 

It can be difficult and at times uncomfortable to just be with all of our pieces we like and dislike.  It can also be wonderful to fully experience the now; the laughter of child, the smell of dinner cooking, or the amazing beauty of the sun as it makes its way across the prairie sky.  At Sioux Falls Psychological Services, we provide a space for you to move forward in your present gift of now.  If you’d like to make an appointment, please contact us at 605-334-2696.