Data shows that from 1996-2021, the Hudson Valley region lost a net total of 146,763 people to out migration, which calculates out to 5% of the Hudson Valley’s population.
Elected officials, seeking to appease vocal constituents, frequently uphold restrictive zoning laws that favor single-family residences over more diverse housing options.
In 2023, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection investigated 617 complaints and returned $66,000 to homeowners.
We are now in the first few weeks of the new year and if you are like most, you’re probably pumped up about starting your new year resolutions or taking the opportunity to reinstitute some good old habits that may have fallen by the wayside over time. Or… even still, you may be dreading coming into a season of recession, unsure about how what’s going on in the world is going to affect you accomplishing your 2023 goals.
As history so often repeats itself, we’ve been through recessions before, and we’ve survived them—all of them. This one will be no different. The only question is will you get through it happy, healthy, and fulfilled? Or frustrated, sick, and ready for a new career when your license expires? Whichever you decide, you are right! But, if you decide to choose the route to happiness, start by committing to taking this journey with me.
Over the next few months, I will share exercises, antidotes, and stories that, if employed will assist you in having a more fulfilling and happier 2023 and a wonderful life.
Let’s start with the BIGGEST piece of the puzzle—your mindset. Remember above where I said, “Whichever you decide, you are right.” That’s because your life is just that. It’s yours. And it’s up to you to decide whether or not you choose to be happy and fulfilled or not. Will you choose to be the victim or the victor?
The victor you say? Then let’s start with some creative and thoughtful mindfulness exercises. Sit somewhere alone, in silence and breathe. It may be easiest to do this when you first wake before starting your day or at the end of your day before you retire for the evening.
Begin by breathing in and out. Repeat several times. Reflect on the year of 2022. Write out all the things you are grateful for. Feel the feelings of gratitude. Stay with it for a few minutes. Now take a few more deep breaths. Breathe in. Breathe out.
Now let’s project and fast forward to the end of 2023. Visualize what a happy life looks and feels like to you. Concentrate on the feeling. Using a notepad or journal write out what happiness looks like to you. Include both, your professional and personal hopes, and dreams. It’s challenging to achieve your goals without knowing and defining exactly what they are. Define them. Don’t be shy.
So, what did you do in 2023? (Remember you are projecting). Did you go on that dream vacation? Did you buy a new home or investment property? Did you get that handbag you’ve been wanting? Or pay off that student loan? Did you finally get into shape? Whatever your goal(s) may be, define it, write it and put it somewhere you can see it daily. I have some of my goals written out on sticky notes on the mirror of my vanity. It’s one of the first things I see and take note of after acknowledging the things that I am thankful for. There is something to be grateful for every day. Be sure to recognize those things. After you have written out what it is you want to accomplish in 2023, start charting your calendar with the things that you need to do in order to make that final picture a reality. For example, what needs to happen in February if you want to go away in July? Did you make hotel reservations or get your airline tickets? These are in essence, some of your whys. Now that we have “whys,” what deals are you putting together in order to help make those dreams a reality? Start pinpointing them.
Aside from writing out your 2023 projections, you may also want to try creating a vision board. Vision boards are visual representations of your goals and the things that make you happy. You will need a sheet of paper or poster board, magazines, scissors and glue. Cut out images that represent the things that make you happy and/or goals you would like to achieve. Glue the photos and images onto your posterboard. As with the written projection, you may also want to put your vision board somewhere you will see it regularly. I use a photo of my vision board as the background on my phone. Needless to say, it’s seen constantly. The visual reminder helps to keep you on task and laser-focused. When you’re not feeling like doing it today, it’s a gentle nudge as to “why” you should push through.
Want to really push the envelope? Find an accountability partner. But it has to be the “right” accountability partner. If you choose someone who is not on the same page, they may try to talk you out of your goals due to their own limiting beliefs and mindset, so choose wisely.
Looking forward to an amazing 2023 and beyond. Happy New Year!
Data shows that from 1996-2021, the Hudson Valley region lost a net total of 146,763 people to out migration, which calculates out to 5% of the Hudson Valley’s population.
Elected officials, seeking to appease vocal constituents, frequently uphold restrictive zoning laws that favor single-family residences over more diverse housing options.
In 2023, the Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection investigated 617 complaints and returned $66,000 to homeowners.
Located at 23 Mulberry St. in the Hollow neighborhood of South Yonkers, the $48 million, four-story building has 60 energy-efficient, affordable apartments for seniors.
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