The start of a new year can bring a sense of pressure to “start fresh” or to set unrealistic goals.
At the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, we know that healing and growth are not about perfection or drastic change, but about reflection, self-compassion, and realistic steps forward.
The Ally, counsellor at our special project, Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, shares the following gentle approaches to setting intentions for the new year that support wellbeing rather than adding stress.
1. Start with reflection, not pressure
“I think looking at a New Year’s resolution has a lot more to do with reflecting on where you’ve been this year rather than where you’d like to be next year,” said Ally.
- New Year’s intentions are often more helpful when they focus on where you’ve been, rather than where you think you “should” be.
- Reflect on the past year and consider what you’ve experienced, learned, or survived.
2. Acknowledge your growth – and your struggles
- Growth doesn’t always look positive or linear.
- Consider how you’ve changed, what you’ve coped with, and where things may have felt difficult.
- These reflections can guide what you want to work on next.
3. Focus on realistic, tangible intentions
“A lot of people say for the new year, ‘I want to be happy’, and that’s just not realistic, and you are going to be overwhelmed,” said Ally.
- When goals feel unachievable, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or give up altogether.
- Rather than focusing on outcomes, consider small, achievable actions.
- For example, instead of “losing weight,” an intention might be to create a routine, move more, or support your health in manageable ways.
4. Choose one or two areas to focus on
- You don’t need to work on every part of your life at once.
The new year isn’t about becoming a different person, but about strengthening areas that matter most to you right now. - It’s okay to move slowly. Sustainable change often comes from consistency and care.
5. Seek support and connection
“Being able to connect with people who might be having similar experiences … by joining groups and showing up as part of a community,” said Ally.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre offers counselling, case management, and group programs that support self-compassion, self-esteem, and connection.
These groups can be a powerful way to feel connected.
The Centre reopens on Monday, January 5.
We will be holding a vision board workshop on Friday, January 16, from 10am at our Warilla centre. During the session, we will gently guide participants through grounding meditation and meaningful reflection exercises to give shape to their hopes, dreams, and desires.
From this place of creativity, participants will craft their own vision board to take home.
Contact us on 4255 6800 for more information.