Yes I’m trying to stop grieving my husband he died 7 months ago and I miss him so much but my crying every night won’t bring him back ..no amount of anything I do will bring him back ..40 yrs with the sweetest person I’ve ever known just hone I must now have a new life somehow some way because that one is over ..I’m going to a grief share thing next month but not sure if that is the best thing …I have started to paint my kitchen at least I’m busy …anyway thank you for your video !!
I don’t think there should be a time limit placed on grief. Everybody has to go through their own journey. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband‘s passing. A 40 year marriage is something to cherish deeply. Sending you huge hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband died 1-1/2 years ago after 55 years of marriage and I’m still grieving. I don’t think there is or should be a time limit on grief. I have moved on with my life but every now and then, it still hits hard to know that that he is gone. Sending hugs.
Whoever laid you off made a big mistake, you would be a great asset to any company, saying that you must thank them for opening this opportunity for you! Such great videos I started to watch today.
Good points! I think being retired makes all of these easier. We’re at a point in life when we’re more able to just live life as it comes, not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, but being open to new things. We’re never too old to learn and grow. Happy new year! ☕️🇨🇦☕️
I love these thoughts! I especially like the part about thinking positively, being grateful, and taking the actions to make your life what you want it to be 🌸
I am going to stop beating myself up about choices I've made or things I can't control.. I broke my leg and that has made y life more difficult...and costly. I have to remind myself that come April 1st I will be debt-free... But I need to stop obsessing about retirement in two years and focus on the here and now...great reminder.
I love your positive approach to life. So many people needs to learn this lesson. It resonates with my vision that we cannot to control the waves but we can learn how to surf.
So true,the older I am,the more I understand that your thoughts are a choice,and so true I have always believed to be positivet and make it a good day,enjoy the moment and to work for something you want,shoot for the stars,you will reach the moon. My kids,I have 10 of them.,still make fun of that saying. Wishing you the best year ever❤
@@smallretiredlife Not sure if I deserve to be applauded,but for sure no regrets and very thankful for my beautiful family of 1 boy,first one and 9 girls after,who are all married and gave us 33 grandchildren,I understand to see your grandchildren who live far away,I have 10 grandchildren in Alberta,9 in the Netherlands and 13 here in the Fraser Valley,we lost one at 3 months of age,but she is always included, Love your channel,love your success, Love to meet you one day perhaps when I visit my children in Calgary Happy New Year
I’m so glad I found you, Raina. I always look forward to your videos and I loved this one. Tomorrow, New Year’s Day, is my 67th birthday. In 2022 I retired and filed for divorce. 2024 was a year of more change for me, as I sold my house of 37 years and moved to a condo in a new city. I live a few blocks away from my daughter and her little family. I love being close to my two baby granddaughters. While this year has brought me great joy, it’s also been easy to slip into these four habits. Your video is a reminder that my intention this year is to be present in my body, mind, and spirit. Thank you, Raina. Happy New Year to you. 🎉
Raina, your positivity is contagious. Thank you for sharing your views on stoicism. I too am embracing a lot of the lessons from the stoics. Retirement has afforded me the luxury of reading as much as I want, and I believe we are never too old to learn something new. Happy New Year to you ❤and thank you for sharing your life with us on your channel.
Wise words. I've always embraced change one of my favourite quotes "if you never leave site of the shore you won't find new horizons" It's funny as it was on a poster where we used to have morning meetings, it made me leave that job 😂 although the next job wasn't that great I moved on again and got the best job I ever had. Now retired and couldn't be happier. Another plus for living in the moment if you're doing something you love like a walk or at the beach just stop, look, listen take it all in, as it gives you a very strong memory to call on at any time. Wishing you all the best for 2025🥂🎉
I think the fact that you've come so far in such a short period of time with your TH-cam channel is a testament to the value of your words. Thank you and have a Happy New Year! 🎉
Happy 2025! It's uncanny how you've encapsulated the things I had decided to release as I begin again this year. I'm very grateful for the reinforcement and encouragement. Thanks!
Since 2008, I re-read the book “Flow: Psychology of the Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. I find the book gives insight that despite our denial, it is not what happens to us that determines our happiness, but the manner in which we make sense of that reality. When we achieve a state of “flow”, we feel a deep enjoyment, creativity, and total involvement with our life. Each read of the book reminds me of the positive aspects of our human experience- joy, creativity, and the process of being fully engaged with life. Happy New Year Raina!
I am a very positive person, and I get that from my dad as he was a positive person as well. My mother, on the other hand, tends to be negative and see the glass always almost empty. There was research made on why some people are more positive than others, and I've learned that there is a genetic predisposition for negative emotional states. So, it is harder for those people to be positive. I wish you a very happy new year!
I totally think that is true,some people are just genetically wired to be more positive,same as collour of hair,eyes,length,depression,anxiety,intelligence or creativity, It's indeed so much more difficult for them.try to be patient and merciful and understanding and encouraging and love each other
Overcoming some trauma has been rough. Feeling like I’m finally waking up after a bad dream. Finding your insightful messages is so helpful at this age (60) and stage. Thank you!
Spending quality time with my family in Auckland - originally from Switzerland - where I am listening to your video which I love. You are really an inspiration with your positivity, EQ and IQ, and kindness. I wish you all the best for 2025 and look forward to the upcoming videos❤
I am so happy to see videos that encourage Stoic principals. I have been practicing all of the principals mentioned in this video. I have been able to let go and realize that the only things that I have control over are my thoughts, words and actions. Thank you! 🥰
Happy New Year Raina! Agree with all you said. I also feel that it's important to surround yourself with positive people. I'm now better at knowing when to nod then walk away.
I also follow the stoic philosophy. I have the book, The Daily Stoic, which I read daily 😂 Thank you for sharing your insights with us and I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year 🥂
Thank you so much for this video❤ For awhile now, I have recognized my problem with ruminating in the past and the affect it has had on my life. I have already listened to this video three times, taken notes, and will use the following actionable steps as my 2025 practice to turn things around: - Focus on the present - Find internal validation - Embrace change - Embrace positivity Many thanks for this inspirational video! Also, in a past video, you mentioned a book on stoicism. What was the name and author of that book? Wishing you happiness, health, and contentment in 2025!
Hi Raina, I have to push against your use of 'ramblings' here - that suggests that whatever you're talking about is ramdom, not well thought out, just off the top of your head. But that's just not the case - this, for example, was a very useful exercise for the new year. I have to say I am one of those people who tends to think about the worst case scenario, but I tell myself it's so I can be prepared! Luckily my husband is eternally optimistic, so he brings me down to earth if I get too frazzled. Anyway, much food for thought, thank you! Happy New Year!
Thank you for the words. I have to say lol sometimes I feel like I am rambling on and wonder if I am boring but these thoughts are there because I have had to deal with them in my own life and I have books and philosophy that I turn to that help, so others might find it useful as well.
I too am very happy I found your channel. You make me think about things in a better more positive way. I worry a lot and then I can’t sleep which is really very non-productive. The next day I usually always find a way to solve my problem, so all that worry didn’t accomplish a darn thing. Thank you for sharing your perspective on life and I wish you a Wonderful New Year.❤🎉❤
This is a timely message because I've reflected all week what my new Word of the Year will be for 2025. I used REFRAME as my WOTY for 2024 and it was such a success, I'm not even retiring it, but rather keeping it flickering in the background to refer to whenever I need it. It ties in with the "seeking validation outside" message as well. I actually wrote a little guide and put it on my digital store to help people focus on a word rather than a resolution for this reason: A word can guide you like a compass whereas a resolution with its more rigid rules and expectations has a higher risk of failing or abandoning within a few weeks or months. Although I'm not retired I'm still a SAHM and much of your content resonates very well for me. Thank you Raina and happy New Year to you and yours!
I don't make new years resolutions. I decided to start making small changes, in late Jan i made one change on a Wednesday, two weeks later i made another small change starting on a Wednesday. By starting on a Wednesday i didn't start the week under pressure, waiting two weeks between changes gave me a chance to get one change established before starting another.
Another incredible video Raina. I must say your videos are very eye opening for me and I am learning a lot to apply to my retired life. I really liked your comments about dwelling too much on past and future. I know for myself that I have a tendency of dwelling on too many pre-retirement events in the past that I need to move forward from. I will read up on Stoicism more. Thanks for the video. I look forward to the next one. Hope you and your family have a wonderful 2025.
This is one of the most genuinely helpful and insightful videos I have listened to in the past year! I could resonate with each and every habit that you mentioned. You not only talked about them but also gave good solid advice about how to turn every one of these many times unconscious habits around. I am especially guilty of looking to others for validation in many areas of my life and I'm fed up with being this way so I have to work on this one, in particular. I look forward to each of your videos, Raina, but you hit this one out of the ballpark, thank you!
I appreciate your self-awareness - it is one of the reasons that I resonate with you and your channel. It takes awareness to recognize, and then effort to replace, those unhealthy mental habits and conditionings that do not serve ourselves in an uplifting, positive way, with healthy patterns that bring us (and others, by extension) joy and contentment. Wishing you a most joyous and contented New Year.
I agree re: not moping about the past or getting too doom-and-gloom about the future. But I personally find the future a major motivator! I like to plan a big trip a year in advance, so I have something to look forward to. Planning career advancement also helps me (I’m not retired but I like thinking ahead-see what I mean?). It’s all about HOW you’re thinking about the future.
Thanks for sharing! And yes, I agree that kind of thinking about the future is positive. I think I was referring to the kind where you worry yourself into a stress ball worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. I definitely used to have a huge tendency to do that. Wishing you a very happy 2025.
Hello Raina. All compelling habits which I work on every day. I do slip back to my old ways of thinking occasionally, but catch myself and adjust my focus. It's an ongoing practice. I find it helpful to seek out others with similar habits. Being around someone who seems to only exude negativity can be such a drain on the spirit. Regarding the reference to negative comments, I feel it shows they don't take responsibility for their decisions, and would rather blame on others for their circumstances. We are all responsible for our choices, decisions, the path we take in our life. As you articulated so well, we have control over our thoughts and actions. I look at 2025 as a year of continuing growth and self awareness. Best wishes to you, Happy New Year 💫
Thank you so much for that comment Sabine and for coming by again. I so appreciate your comments that you leave . Wishing you the best in 2025 and I hope my videos continue to be enjoyable for you.
Happy New Year from Spain! I started following you a few weeks ago and I just want to encourage you to go on with it, you’re doing great! I’ve also got a daughter abroad, in Japan and I get what you mean! Thanks for your time and sharing your wisdom!😊
Thank you for your point #1. I am terrible at thinking if only I did this or that different, this wouldn't have happened etc. I beat myself up over past decisions. You are right, there is nothing that can be done (other than learning a lesson and not repeating mistakes).
If I could just ditch my gaming habit, I would be okay, but it's hard. The games are very addictive and any addiction is very difficult to stop. I am very committed to tackle this problem this year. Thanks, Raina and Happy New Year!
Such a great video with very wise thoughts. Widowed for 10 years, I retire this coming year a little early and full of excitement for the next step, with my two daughters and their lives and me with mine. One of your commenters said time is a balm - your videos are too🙂.
Awww, those are such kind words. Thank you so much for watching and I’m wishing you so many good things on your journey. I hope you have a wonderful 2025!
We luckily have this life it's already a HUGE blessing! The chance is extremely low to be born into this beautiful planet indeed, we should appreciate that...and happily enjoy this short journey to the end.
Thanks for the reminder to not let negativity become a habit. Years ago, I made myself a CD of uplifting songs that I could play when pessimistic thoughts took over; playing them would alter my mindset. Now to go and find what they were and put them on a playlist! (The only one I can remember OTTOMH is The Mary Ellen Carter by Stan Rogers).
Oh wow, I love making inspirational playlists! I like putting headphones in going, for a run and just playing something that makes me feel good. Wishing you a very happy new year.
One habit that I need to remove from my daily life is not to allow extended family matters worry me tremendously. Every person I have to tell myself is his/her own and I should not try to solve their matters. The next important thing I need to do is to get me a good, trustworthy accountant who is able to help me navigate my pensions insurance. Last but not least is being on time to my various activities I have engaged since my retirement in September.🔜
Your message really resonated with me, Thank you for providing such relatable ideas for negative thinking. I wrote down some of your words in my journal to practice using. Happy New Year !! 🎉
Hi Raina, wishing you a Happy, Healthy, Creative 2025. I feel very fortunate to have found your channel, everything you said in your video resonates with me. A short story. It was around 2006-2007, I had a goal to achieve. When I shared my thought with my auntie, she was a bit negative. She advised me to ask for expertise advice. Yet, I followed my inner voice, my intuition. And I, through faith and hard work, my goal, my dream came true. We all have a strong inner voice which we must trust, and listen to it without listening to all those outer bla bla!! 😊
Good evening Raina and Happy New Year again. I would like to share an ancient Greek tradition. The tradition says that when the clock strikes midnight welcoming the New Year, you smash a pomegranate in front of the entrance door. This symbolizes abundance and good fortune, along with all our personal wishes and goals for the year ahead. The following day you give the segments of the fruit to the birds. Needless to say, when you smash the pomegranate, you have to mop the floor 😂
Raina, a wonderful 🎉 New Year's Day to you. I'm also of Eastern European heritage and have been studying stoic Buddhism...the 2 philosophies have many overlaps. Keep up the great work 👍
Dear Raina! Happy New Year! Wish you the best this coming 2025! We share the same life philosophy, and it makes me feel good. I can relate to each of the points you mentioned and having these reminders is necessary. Gratitude, present moment, absence of fear, positivity; what can be wiser? Enjoy listening to you!
Dear Raina, I wish you a healthy and happy New Year. The universe brought you into my life, and I am very grateful for it. Your life philosophy is the same as mine; that is how I am trying to live my life. Thank you for posting such a thoughtful video.
Thank you for your kind words. I am wishing you a happy and healthy new year as well. Thank you for supporting my channel and watching my videos. I so appreciate it!🙏
Hi Raina, thank you for covering today’s topic. Practical, rational and very applicable to me for a few reasons. I’m so happy I found you. I’ve been marketing you to friends. Happy New Year!
Hi Raina. Happy new year 🎉. I have started to relinquish control of other people. I used to try and head off other people’s problems and sometimes it would blowup n my my face. I began to think maybe I was getting in the way of them learning life lessons. Now if it isn’t my business I think of ho it is and whether Ishould share my concerns. Now there’s times when I shift the focus on my life Instead. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and see you next year. ~ Tammy
I’m just setting up my bujo calendar for the year 2025 with goals and positive affirmations. Your advices and wisdoms are so good and give me much to think about. Happy New Year to you Raina🎉❤!
Wonderful! I’ve watched a few videos on how to create those calendars. I’ve always been tempted, but knowing me, I would do it for a few months and then not do it again. 😂🤣
I am so happy I found you! Your videos have improved my life! I really want to learn more about Stoicism. I will definitely buy "The Daily Stoic". Any other book, podcast or videos really appreciated!! I'm naturally a very positive and optimistic person. And, while I do really try to live in the present I also find I'm happier if I have something fairly big planned every quarter. Most of the time its a trip. This seems to help me look past todays issues.
Thank you so much for watching. The daily Stoic is such a wonderful book. I love reading a passage every day and thinking about it. Wishing you the best in 2025.
Happy New Year, Raina! Thank you very much for all your enlightening videos... I look forward to seeing more of them... Wish you happiness, good health and peace of mind in 2025... 😄🥰🤩
Wishing you a very happy New Year, Raina, and thank you for this special contribution to kick off 2025. I saw it posted the other day and held off til waking this morning...at 0500! Sending you the very best from Vancouver island.
Happy New Year! Perfect to take a different approach into the New Year-Things NOT to do! Very clever as you are correct that those habits prevent us from attaining our goals!! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!!!!
Happy New Year Raina!!! Another great video!! Love your videos. I agree with all you talked about!!! Since retired I have been looking at the positive or silver lining of change or tough situations. We can learn from these situations. I love to travel and work a PT job to make this happen. The job experience is fun, friendships and keeping me out of trouble, such as shopping too much!!! Lol!!
Happy New Year Raina 🙏. Thank you for those good points. I like the ones about seeing change as a new beginning. Also learning from others is good. Some people may actually help you with a comment even if they havent wrapped it in cotton wool to be kinder. I think its great if we all can help you pay for your Australia trip. I am also hoping that you will do some filming in Calgary so we can see what it is like. 💕🙂
Everyday is a good opportunity to access your mindset and be grateful. Thank you so much for hearing and speaking. Each act of love ripples out! So much love to all of us! ❤
Yes I’m trying to stop grieving my husband he died 7 months ago and I miss him so much but my crying every night won’t bring him back ..no amount of anything I do will bring him back ..40 yrs with the sweetest person I’ve ever known just hone I must now have a new life somehow some way because that one is over ..I’m going to a grief share thing next month but not sure if that is the best thing …I have started to paint my kitchen at least I’m busy …anyway thank you for your video !!
Holy cow, 7 months of grieving after a 40 year marriage? That's nothing! Give yourself a break. Be patient with yourself.
I don’t think there should be a time limit placed on grief. Everybody has to go through their own journey. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband‘s passing. A 40 year marriage is something to cherish deeply. Sending you huge hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband died 1-1/2 years ago after 55 years of marriage and I’m still grieving. I don’t think there is or should be a time limit on grief. I have moved on with my life but every now and then, it still hits hard to know that that he is gone. Sending hugs.
I'm very sorry for your profound loss. Please be gentle with yourself. Grief is not linear, yet time is a balm. Sending you a big hug.
Bless your heart
Whoever laid you off made a big mistake, you would be a great asset to any company, saying that you must thank them for opening this opportunity for you! Such great videos I started to watch today.
I appreciate that! Thank you for watching. Wishing you a very happy new year.
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own..." (Matthew 6:34, Bible)
Beautiful quote! Wishing you the best in 2025.
Grateful people are happy people🙏🏼
Yes, so true. Happy 2025!
Good points! I think being retired makes all of these easier. We’re at a point in life when we’re more able to just live life as it comes, not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, but being open to new things. We’re never too old to learn and grow. Happy new year! ☕️🇨🇦☕️
You're right, I think retirement gives us the luxury to experiment and be present.
I love these thoughts! I especially like the part about thinking positively, being grateful, and taking the actions to make your life what you want it to be 🌸
Thank you for watching! I think those are the most important ones.
I am going to stop beating myself up about choices I've made or things I can't control.. I broke my leg and that has made y life more difficult...and costly. I have to remind myself that come April 1st I will be debt-free... But I need to stop obsessing about retirement in two years and focus on the here and now...great reminder.
You got this! 💪. I hope the healing goes well. Thank you for watching and wishing you a much better 2025….i.e. No broken bones!
I love your positive approach to life. So many people needs to learn this lesson. It resonates with my vision that we cannot to control the waves but we can learn how to surf.
Well said! Thank you for watching and for the nice comment. Happy new year!
I am listening to your advice at 9am on January 1, 2025. Great words of wisdom and life advice.
Thank you.
Thank you for watching and happy new year!
Wishing this community a Happy New Year 🇺🇸🌴. Thank you for promoting positivity.
Thank you so much for watching! Wishing you the absolute best 2025 ever!
Yes. This!
Thank you and the same to you.
So true,the older I am,the more I understand that your thoughts are a choice,and so true I have always believed to be positivet and make it a good day,enjoy the moment and to work for something you want,shoot for the stars,you will reach the moon.
My kids,I have 10 of them.,still make fun of that saying.
Wishing you the best year ever❤
Thanks for sharing!! 10 children? I absolutely applaud you. Wishing you the very best in 2025.
@@smallretiredlife
Not sure if I deserve to be applauded,but for sure no regrets and very thankful for my beautiful family of 1 boy,first one and 9 girls after,who are all married and gave us 33 grandchildren,I understand to see your grandchildren who live far away,I have 10 grandchildren in Alberta,9 in the Netherlands and 13 here in the Fraser Valley,we lost one at 3 months of age,but she is always included,
Love your channel,love your success,
Love to meet you one day perhaps when I visit my children in Calgary
Happy New Year
I’m so glad I found you, Raina. I always look forward to your videos and I loved this one. Tomorrow, New Year’s Day, is my 67th birthday. In 2022 I retired and filed for divorce. 2024 was a year of more change for me, as I sold my house of 37 years and moved to a condo in a new city. I live a few blocks away from my daughter and her little family. I love being close to my two baby granddaughters. While this year has brought me great joy, it’s also been easy to slip into these four habits. Your video is a reminder that my intention this year is to be present in my body, mind, and spirit. Thank you, Raina. Happy New Year to you. 🎉
Happy New Year to you as well! Wishing you an amazing 2025 and I’m so glad you found the video helpful.
Dang! I'm impressed with your ability to "refresh" your life! Congratulations on taking those steps and the best to you!
15:58 "Control what you can control" - my thoughts exactly.
Thank you for watching Stephen and wishing you a very happy 2025!
Raina, your positivity is contagious. Thank you for sharing your views on stoicism. I too am embracing a lot of the lessons from the stoics. Retirement has afforded me the luxury of reading as much as I want, and I believe we are never too old to learn something new. Happy New Year to you ❤and thank you for sharing your life with us on your channel.
You are so welcome! Thank you for watching my videos and supporting my channel. Wishing you the best in 2025.
Wise words.
I've always embraced change one of my favourite quotes
"if you never leave site of the shore you won't find new horizons"
It's funny as it was on a poster where we used to have morning meetings, it made me leave that job 😂 although the next job wasn't that great I moved on again and got the best job I ever had. Now retired and couldn't be happier.
Another plus for living in the moment if you're doing something you love like a walk or at the beach just stop, look, listen take it all in, as it gives you a very strong memory to call on at any time.
Wishing you all the best for 2025🥂🎉
Thank you so much for watching and I love your quote. I’m going to have to write that down so I remember it. Wishing you the very best in 2025.
I think the fact that you've come so far in such a short period of time with your TH-cam channel is a testament to the value of your words. Thank you and have a Happy New Year! 🎉
Thank you for watching and happy new year to you as well.
Happy 2025! It's uncanny how you've encapsulated the things I had decided to release as I begin again this year. I'm very grateful for the reinforcement and encouragement. Thanks!
Since 2008, I re-read the book “Flow: Psychology of the Optimal Experience” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
I find the book gives insight that despite our denial, it is not what happens to us that determines our happiness, but the manner in which we make sense of that reality. When we achieve a state of “flow”, we feel a deep enjoyment, creativity, and total involvement with our life. Each read of the book reminds me of the positive aspects of our human experience- joy, creativity, and the process of being fully engaged with life.
Happy New Year Raina!
Oh wow, I am totally looking that book up! Thank you for the recommendation! Happy new year!
I am a very positive person, and I get that from my dad as he was a positive person as well. My mother, on the other hand, tends to be negative and see the glass always almost empty. There was research made on why some people are more positive than others, and I've learned that there is a genetic predisposition for negative emotional states. So, it is harder for those people to be positive.
I wish you a very happy new year!
Wow, so interesting. Thank you for sharing! Happy New Year!
I totally think that is true,some people are just genetically wired to be more positive,same as collour of hair,eyes,length,depression,anxiety,intelligence or creativity,
It's indeed so much more difficult for them.try to be patient and merciful and understanding and encouraging and love each other
I agree. I think just like some people have blue eyes and some have green eyes, our brains work a specific way too.
Overcoming some trauma has been rough. Feeling like I’m finally waking up after a bad dream. Finding your insightful messages is so helpful at this age (60) and stage. Thank you!
You got this! Thank you for sharing and I’m glad the video resonated. Wishing you a very blessed 2025.
Spending quality time with my family in Auckland - originally from Switzerland - where I am listening to your video which I love. You are really an inspiration with your positivity, EQ and IQ, and kindness. I wish you all the best for 2025 and look forward to the upcoming videos❤
Thank you for your kind words - I appreciate you taking the time to listen and wishing you all the best in 2025.
I am so happy to see videos that encourage Stoic principals. I have been practicing all of the principals mentioned in this video. I have been able to let go and realize that the only things that I have control over are my thoughts, words and actions. Thank you! 🥰
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Happy new year to you and all the best in 2025!
You are so cute. And I'm enjoying your wisdom on things. I'm 59 and can relate to much of what you share.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Happy new year 🥳
Happy New Year Raina! Agree with all you said. I also feel that it's important to surround yourself with positive people. I'm now better at knowing when to nod then walk away.
Yes. I totally agree with that. Wishing you the best in 2025. Happy new year.
I also follow the stoic philosophy. I have the book, The Daily Stoic, which I read daily 😂 Thank you for sharing your insights with us and I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year 🥂
That’s a great book! It’s in my favourites for sure. Happy New Year to you as well 🥂
Thank you so much for this video❤ For awhile now, I have recognized my problem with ruminating in the past and the affect it has had on my life. I have already listened to this video three times, taken notes, and will use the following actionable steps as my 2025 practice to turn things around:
- Focus on the present
- Find internal validation
- Embrace change
- Embrace positivity
Many thanks for this inspirational video! Also, in a past video, you mentioned a book on stoicism. What was the name and author of that book?
Wishing you happiness, health, and contentment in 2025!
Thank you for sharing your insights and I’m so glad the video resonated with you!
Hi Raina, I have to push against your use of 'ramblings' here - that suggests that whatever you're talking about is ramdom, not well thought out, just off the top of your head. But that's just not the case - this, for example, was a very useful exercise for the new year. I have to say I am one of those people who tends to think about the worst case scenario, but I tell myself it's so I can be prepared! Luckily my husband is eternally optimistic, so he brings me down to earth if I get too frazzled. Anyway, much food for thought, thank you! Happy New Year!
Thank you for the words. I have to say lol sometimes I feel like I am rambling on and wonder if I am boring but these thoughts are there because I have had to deal with them in my own life and I have books and philosophy that I turn to that help, so others might find it useful as well.
I too am very happy I found your channel. You make me think about things in a better more positive way. I worry a lot and then I can’t sleep which is really very non-productive. The next day I usually always find a way to solve my problem, so all that worry didn’t accomplish a darn thing. Thank you for sharing your perspective on life and I wish you a Wonderful New Year.❤🎉❤
Wonderful! Thank you so much for watching and supporting my channel. Wishing you the very best in 2025.
This is a timely message because I've reflected all week what my new Word of the Year will be for 2025. I used REFRAME as my WOTY for 2024 and it was such a success, I'm not even retiring it, but rather keeping it flickering in the background to refer to whenever I need it.
It ties in with the "seeking validation outside" message as well.
I actually wrote a little guide and put it on my digital store to help people focus on a word rather than a resolution for this reason: A word can guide you like a compass whereas a resolution with its more rigid rules and expectations has a higher risk of failing or abandoning within a few weeks or months.
Although I'm not retired I'm still a SAHM and much of your content resonates very well for me. Thank you Raina and happy New Year to you and yours!
Thank you so much for this insight! I love the idea of a Word of the Year, and I think it's much more effective than resolutions.
Love the idea of Word of the Year!!
@@jeannetteyim Yes, me too! It's been really helpful for me in navigating a challenging year.
Happy New Year, Raina! Love your positive, no nonsense, can do message. You are a much needed addition to the retirement community. 🥰🎉👍
Reframe works so well with the idea of turning something negative into a positive.
I don't make new years resolutions.
I decided to start making small changes, in late Jan i made one change on a Wednesday, two weeks later i made another small change starting on a Wednesday.
By starting on a Wednesday i didn't start the week under pressure, waiting two weeks between changes gave me a chance to get one change established before starting another.
Great method. Thank you for sharing that. All the best in 2025!
@smallretiredlife have a happy and healthy year full of love 🙏
Another incredible video Raina. I must say your videos are very eye opening for me and I am learning a lot to apply to my retired life. I really liked your comments about dwelling too much on past and future. I know for myself that I have a tendency of dwelling on too many pre-retirement events in the past that I need to move forward from. I will read up on Stoicism more. Thanks for the video. I look forward to the next one. Hope you and your family have a wonderful 2025.
I am glad that you enjoyed the video! I look forward to making more for you too! Happy new year 🥳
This is one of the most genuinely helpful and insightful videos I have listened to in the past year! I could resonate with each and every habit that you mentioned. You not only talked about them but also gave good solid advice about how to turn every one of these many times unconscious habits around. I am especially guilty of looking to others for validation in many areas of my life and I'm fed up with being this way so I have to work on this one, in particular. I look forward to each of your videos, Raina, but you hit this one out of the ballpark, thank you!
I’m so glad it resonated with you! Thanks for watching.
I appreciate your self-awareness - it is one of the reasons that I resonate with you and your channel. It takes awareness to recognize, and then effort to replace, those unhealthy mental habits and conditionings that do not serve ourselves in an uplifting, positive way, with healthy patterns that bring us (and others, by extension) joy and contentment. Wishing you a most joyous and contented New Year.
Thank you for watching and your kind words. Happy New Year to you as well!
I agree re: not moping about the past or getting too doom-and-gloom about the future. But I personally find the future a major motivator! I like to plan a big trip a year in advance, so I have something to look forward to. Planning career advancement also helps me (I’m not retired but I like thinking ahead-see what I mean?). It’s all about HOW you’re thinking about the future.
Thanks for sharing! And yes, I agree that kind of thinking about the future is positive. I think I was referring to the kind where you worry yourself into a stress ball worrying about things that haven’t happened yet. I definitely used to have a huge tendency to do that. Wishing you a very happy 2025.
Happy New Year Rayna. I’m a Christian and the Bible aligns entirely with all these thoughts. I gave up caring what others thought years ago 😅
Happy new year to you as well!
Hello Raina. All compelling habits which I work on every day. I do slip back to my old ways of thinking occasionally, but catch myself and adjust my focus. It's an ongoing practice. I find it helpful to seek out others with similar habits. Being around someone who seems to only exude negativity can be such a drain on the spirit. Regarding the reference to negative comments, I feel it shows they don't take responsibility for their decisions, and would rather blame on others for their circumstances. We are all responsible for our choices, decisions, the path we take in our life. As you articulated so well, we have control over our thoughts and actions. I look at 2025 as a year of continuing growth and self awareness. Best wishes to you, Happy New Year 💫
Thank you so much for that comment Sabine and for coming by again. I so appreciate your comments that you leave . Wishing you the best in 2025 and I hope my videos continue to be enjoyable for you.
Happy New Year from Spain! I started following you a few weeks ago and I just want to encourage you to go on with it, you’re doing great! I’ve also got a daughter abroad, in Japan and I get what you mean! Thanks for your time and sharing your wisdom!😊
Thank you! Happy new year to you as well. I so appreciate the kind comment and your support of my channel!
Thank you for your point #1. I am terrible at thinking if only I did this or that different, this wouldn't have happened etc. I beat myself up over past decisions. You are right, there is nothing that can be done (other than learning a lesson and not repeating mistakes).
I’m happy the video resonated with you. Thank you so much for watching and wishing you all the best in 2025.
If I could just ditch my gaming habit, I would be okay, but it's hard. The games are very addictive and any addiction is very difficult to stop. I am very committed to tackle this problem this year. Thanks, Raina and Happy New Year!
It is a difficult habit to break, but I believe in you! Happy New Year!
@@smallretiredlife Thank you so much Raina!😊
Such a great video with very wise thoughts. Widowed for 10 years, I retire this coming year a little early and full of excitement for the next step, with my two daughters and their lives and me with mine. One of your commenters said time is a balm - your videos are too🙂.
Awww, those are such kind words. Thank you so much for watching and I’m wishing you so many good things on your journey. I hope you have a wonderful 2025!
We luckily have this life it's already a HUGE blessing! The chance is extremely low to be born into this beautiful planet indeed, we should appreciate that...and happily enjoy this short journey to the end.
Thanks for the reminder to not let negativity become a habit. Years ago, I made myself a CD of uplifting songs that I could play when pessimistic thoughts took over; playing them would alter my mindset. Now to go and find what they were and put them on a playlist! (The only one I can remember OTTOMH is The Mary Ellen Carter by Stan Rogers).
Oh wow, I love making inspirational playlists! I like putting headphones in going, for a run and just playing something that makes me feel good. Wishing you a very happy new year.
Im retiring in 2026 ❤.... so this is perfect for me.
Awesome! Thank you for watching!
One habit that I need to remove from my daily life is not to allow extended family matters worry me tremendously. Every person I have to tell myself is his/her own and I should not try to solve their matters. The next important thing I need to do is to get me a good, trustworthy accountant who is able to help me navigate my pensions insurance. Last but not least is being on time to my various activities I have engaged since my retirement in September.🔜
Thank you for sharing and for watching! Happy new year 🥳!
Yes, it's how we frame it and thank you for consistently making such good content. Happy 2025 Raina.
Happy 2025 to you too!
Happy new year everyone.
Happy new year!
Your message really resonated with me, Thank you for providing such relatable ideas for negative thinking. I wrote down some of your words in my journal to practice using. Happy New Year !! 🎉
You’re so welcome! Thank you for watching and wishing you a happy new year.
Hi Raina, wishing you a Happy, Healthy, Creative 2025.
I feel very fortunate to have found your channel, everything you said in your video resonates with me.
A short story. It was around 2006-2007, I had a goal to achieve. When I shared my thought with my auntie, she was a bit negative. She advised me to ask for expertise advice. Yet, I followed my inner voice, my intuition. And I, through faith and hard work, my goal, my dream came true.
We all have a strong inner voice which we must trust, and listen to it without listening to all those outer bla bla!!
😊
Wow, so true! Thank you for sharing! Happy New Year!
Good evening Raina and Happy New Year again.
I would like to share an ancient Greek tradition. The tradition says that when the clock strikes midnight welcoming the New Year, you smash a pomegranate in front of the entrance door. This symbolizes abundance and good fortune, along with all our personal wishes and goals for the year ahead.
The following day you give the segments of the fruit to the birds.
Needless to say, when you smash the pomegranate, you have to mop the floor 😂
Hi Raina, Happy New Year! I'm not retired but I love watching youre vlogs. Thank you.
Happy New Year.
Great insight and so inspiring! I appreciate you and look forward to future videos. I hope your channel will continue to grow! Happy New Year! 🎉😊
Thank you for the kind words. Happy New Year to you too!
Happy New Year and thanks for creating such a welcoming and calming place to reflect.
Awww, thank you so much for your kind words. Wishing you a very happy 2025.
I love stoic way of life. Thanks for your talks
Thank you for watching and wishing you a happy 2025.
Raina, a wonderful 🎉 New Year's Day to you. I'm also of Eastern European heritage and have been studying stoic Buddhism...the 2 philosophies have many overlaps. Keep up the great work 👍
That’s fascinating! Stoicism is a great tool for overcoming challenges, and I love that you're finding the overlaps with Buddhism.
Dear Raina! Happy New Year! Wish you the best this coming 2025! We share the same life philosophy, and it makes me feel good. I can relate to each of the points you mentioned and having these reminders is necessary. Gratitude, present moment, absence of fear, positivity; what can be wiser? Enjoy listening to you!
Thank you for your kind words and happy new year to you!
Dear Raina, I wish you a healthy and happy New Year. The universe brought you into my life, and I am very grateful for it. Your life philosophy is the same as mine; that is how I am trying to live my life. Thank you for posting such a thoughtful video.
Thank you for your kind words. I am wishing you a happy and healthy new year as well. Thank you for supporting my channel and watching my videos. I so appreciate it!🙏
Thanks for the reminders! I also follow stoicism. Accentuate the positive! Happy New Year Raina! Thanks for all your great content!
I am glad you enjoyed the video! Happy New Year.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom for the new year. Happy New Year to you ❤
Thank you and Happy New Year to you too!
Hi Raina, thank you for covering today’s topic. Practical, rational and very applicable to me for a few reasons. I’m so happy I found you. I’ve been marketing you to friends. Happy New Year!
Thank you for watching, for supporting my channel and so glad you found it helpful! Wishing you the very best in 2025.
Thank you Raina and Happy New Year 🎉🎉
Happy new year!!
Hi Raina. Happy new year 🎉. I have started to relinquish control of other people. I used to try and head off other people’s problems and sometimes it would blowup n my my face. I began to think maybe I was getting in the way of them learning life lessons. Now if it isn’t my business I think of ho it is and whether Ishould share my concerns. Now there’s times when I shift the focus on my life Instead. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and see you next year. ~ Tammy
That is amazing! I think it’s so important to learn to let go sometimes. 😊 happy new year!
Great tips for the new year
Thank you so much for watching! I'm so glad the video resonated. Happy new year to you!
I’m just setting up my bujo calendar for the year 2025 with goals and positive affirmations. Your advices and wisdoms are so good and give me much to think about. Happy New Year to you Raina🎉❤!
Wonderful! I’ve watched a few videos on how to create those calendars. I’ve always been tempted, but knowing me, I would do it for a few months and then not do it again. 😂🤣
Happy New Year, Raina! I look forward (presently reflecting) to your 2025 posts!
Happy new year!!
Happy 2025. Thank you for the video and tips. I am a new subscriber and I am enjoying your content when I can view it. You are a brave soul.
Happy New Year 🎈 I am so happy to see your session today about self care. Very positive energy ❤ Thank you 😊
Happy new year to you as well! Thank you for watching 😊
Thanks so much: your Reflections help me positively live my "small retired life"! Happy New Year!
You're so welcome! Thank you for watching. Happy New Year to you!
I am so happy I found you! Your videos have improved my life! I really want to learn more about Stoicism. I will definitely buy "The Daily Stoic". Any other book, podcast or videos really appreciated!! I'm naturally a very positive and optimistic person. And, while I do really try to live in the present I also find I'm happier if I have something fairly big planned every quarter. Most of the time its a trip. This seems to help me look past todays issues.
Thank you so much for watching. The daily Stoic is such a wonderful book. I love reading a passage every day and thinking about it. Wishing you the best in 2025.
I love this video. It is what I needed to hear to know that I am headed in the right direction.❤
Wonder! Than you so much for watching and supporting my channel
Thank you 😊 You taught me so much in this one video 🌿 reframing to the positive is so powerful. I love this room you are in too
I'm so glad! Thank you and wishing you the best in 2025.
This video really improved my day. Thank you.
I'm so glad!
Good reminders! Happy New Year and all the best in 2025.
Happy new year!
So happy that I stumbled upon your channel…your messages are always so grounding! Happy New Year
Thank you so much for watching! Happy new year to you too!
2025 is going to be the best year yet!
thankyou Rania,I am enjoying very much watching and listening to your advice.
You’re so welcome! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos.
Thank you very well said.Love from Kenya (Africa)
Happy new year to you and thank you so much for watching!
I love your insight to consider an ending as a beginning- something I think I am ready to understand.
Thank you so much for watching. Glad the video resonated. I’m wishing you the best in 2025.
Happy New Year, Raina! Thank you very much for all your enlightening videos... I look forward to seeing more of them... Wish you happiness, good health and peace of mind in 2025... 😄🥰🤩
Thank you so much for watching and supporting my channel. Happy new year to you as well and all the best in 2025.
Wishing you a very happy New Year, Raina, and thank you for this special contribution to kick off 2025. I saw it posted the other day and held off til waking this morning...at 0500! Sending you the very best from Vancouver island.
Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words! Happy new year to you as well.
Very good Video to end 2024, lots to think about for the coming year🙂I wish you a very happy and colourful 2025! ☺️
Thank you! You too!
Thank you for these brilliant thoughts and ”lifehacks”, I’m gonna try to live 2025 with them in my mind and actions!!😊Happy new year to you!❤
You are so welcome! And thank you for your support and watching my videos. Wishing you a very happy new year.
Happy New Year to you too! Great reminder for all of us. Thank you.
Happy New Year to you!
Happy New Year Raina, Thank you for reminding us of all these things to ditch in the new year!!
Happy new year 🥳
Completely agree! I wondered if you could do a video about journaling, if possible 😊
Great idea! I will definitely put it on my list of potentials. Wishing you a happy 2025.
Thank you again for the splashes of philosophy and your thoughts.. of which a biproduct is classing up TH-cam 🎉 Happy New Year!
Splashes of philosophy. :D I love that expression!
Thank you so much for watching and for supporting my channel. Wishing you the best in 2025.
What a wonderful video to start the new year ! I really resonate with your life philosophy, thank you for sharing !
Thank you for watching! I'm glad the video resonated with you.
Great video!! I agree, positivity and being open to life's changes is always the way to go. I really appreciate your insights 😊❤❤
I'm so glad you liked it! Happy new year!
@@smallretiredlife Happy New Year to you too!! Looking forward to 2025 😁
Prayer of Serenity!
Yes, 100% right on!
Good video. Happy New Year
Happy new year!
Happy New Year! Perfect to take a different approach into the New Year-Things NOT to do! Very clever as you are correct that those habits prevent us from attaining our goals!! Thanks for sharing your wisdom!!!!
Happy new year! I'm glad you liked the video!
Happy New Year Raina!!! Another great video!! Love your videos. I agree with all you talked about!!! Since retired I have been looking at the positive or silver lining of change or tough situations. We can learn from these situations. I love to travel and work a PT job to make this happen. The job experience is fun, friendships and keeping me out of trouble, such as shopping too much!!! Lol!!
It's great to hear you're finding the silver lining in retirement! Happy new year 🥳
Excellent intentions to ring in 2025. Thanks and happy new year Raina!
Happy new year!
Thank you for this. Lovely thoughts. I will gently suggest you look into the pronunciation of stoic and stoicism.
My apologies if I mispronounce it English is not my first language so sometimes my words are definitely not correct.
Happy New Year Raina 🙏. Thank you for those good points. I like the ones about seeing change as a new beginning. Also learning from others is good. Some people may actually help you with a comment even if they havent wrapped it in cotton wool to be kinder. I think its great if we all can help you pay for your Australia trip. I am also hoping that you will do some filming in Calgary so we can see what it is like. 💕🙂
Thank you Cathy! I appreciate you supporting my channel and wishing you the best in 2025.
Happy New Year Reina .You’ve given me the best advice ever .You’ve made me feel better already ❤
Happy new year!!
Happy New Year. I am 50 from NYC. Originally from Lithuania.
Happy New Year to you too!
Everyday is a good opportunity to access your mindset and be grateful. Thank you so much for hearing and speaking. Each act of love ripples out! So much love to all of us! ❤
So true! I'm glad it resonated with you.
Happy New Year! 👍🇨🇦✨️
Happy New Year to you too! 🎉
So glad I’ve found your channel ❤
Welcome!! Happy New Year!
Happiest new year Raina 🎉🍾
Happy New Year to you as well! All the best in 2025!