Let’s Talk About Mental Health: A new year, a new you—are we buying into that? 

By Allison Bradac GUEST COLUMNIST 

We turn the calendar page to a new year. Once again, we see goals, resolutions and promises spike to a new all-time high. Our culture paints a picture that a new you—people often say “new year, new me”—can be our new reality. Do you buy into that? Isn’t being you enough? I think yes, you are enough. 

I know for me, when I turn the calendar to a new year, it’s just the same old me in the mirror. There are some things I like, and some things I’d give my right arm to change. I see growth and ways that this old dog has learned some new tricks along the way, but I see more evidently the things I’ve lacked for decades that I think I can somehow reign in or declare victory over in this coming year. Most likely, next year, I will see the same things—just from the vantage point of being one year older and one year further down the journey of life, trying to master the same old thing. 

Do you think we can be okay with that in 2024? An unfinished and unrefined me? A me that still shows up with some rough edges and a lot of work still to do? As trite as it sounds, it’s true—there is just one you. And there is just one me. It’s easy for me to see the beauty and uniqueness in you. It’s easy for me to see and admire all the creative ways you break the mold. It’s easy for me to see the value you inherently possess. But to see that in myself? It can feel like a herculean task.  

Maybe this year we can ease up a bit and try to see in ourselves what others see in us. Try to offer ourselves the grace that we often freely offer to others. Maybe we could take a vacation from being our own worst critic. Maybe we could go into this new year not setting a goal of reinvention but rather intention to accept ourselves and what we bring into the world. 

Can we be good with last year’s model—the one on the shelf in all our unfinished, wonderful and imperfect but striving-to-be-better glory? Yeah, that one. 

As you look at what it means to just be you in 2024, we encourage you to reach out for the help you need. For some this means leaning toward those who support you and who believe in you. Lean in to your network and support circles. And try to be that for others. If getting help requires more, please know that the work of Wellness in Action and many other organizations in this community are here to help you get through. WIA provides discounted counseling services based on income, as well as a free Community Health Worker to help you make some connections.  

The Be Well Big Sky Navigator Network is a resource where neighbors help neighbors to find the support they need here in Big Sky. And there are trainings and education opportunities all over town to help us all understand one another better and to know the ways we can step in to support and care for each other. You can find these resources on our website www.bigskywia.org. 

From the staff at WIA, we’re committed to meeting you where you’re at. We ourselves are trying to be comfortable with last year’s model and to know there’s a lot of worth in that. To us, this is what it means to live as ourselves in 2024: 

Kiernan, programs manager: In 2024 I will live as myself by accepting at the end of each day that I put forward my best energy and effort, knowing that will look different every day. 

Hope, community health worker: For me, living as myself means being patient with myself and recognizing that progress is progress, no matter how small! I am reminding myself that small or marginal improvements, even if performed inconsistently, can result in real net improvements over a year. If by the end of January, you calculate that you only went on four hikes instead of your monthly goal of eight, guess what: You still went on four more hikes than you went on the following month or the entire previous year. Cheers to a net gain in the New Year!  

Natalie, operations manager: The start of a new year can be both invigorating and overwhelming. It’s a fresh start to work on goals and build new habits, but sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to do everything at once. When I feel overwhelmed, I think about my favorite parable, The Tortoise and the Hare. By slowing down and focusing on taking the next step forward, it helps me take the pressure off and enjoy the journey. 

Allison, executive director: In 2024 it’s important for me that I show up for other people, authentically and with understanding. 

Allison Bradac is executive director of Wellness in Action. She is honored to be part of the incredible team at WIA who shows up every day to work to improve mental health in Big Sky. She brings perspective and nonprofit experience from several development and leadership positions at organizations all focusing on human services.