In the first half, psychotherapist and addictions counselor Dr. Donna Marks discussed the importance of new starts in a new year and ways to stick to goals and New Year's resolutions we set for ourselves. She emphasized that resolutions are more than mere wishes; they represent a commitment to change. "A resolution is important because it says I am committing to doing a particular thing or to stop a particular thing," Marks explained. Reflecting on the societal context, Marks noted that resolutions have historical roots, dating back to the Babylonians and later adopted by Christians.
Marks highlighted common resolutions, such as improving finances, health, and relationships, but stressed the importance of having a concrete plan, and specific, actionable goals. "You can't just say you want to save money. How much do you want to save every week?" Visualizing one's goals can be helpful, she suggested. "I encourage people to have little pictures around even on the dashboard of your car, of what your goal is...to keep you focused on that." Ultimately, Marks believes that everyone has the potential to succeed, stating, "This country gave me opportunities to rise out of poverty... and that's why people make resolutions—to stop the types of things that are blocking them from being successful."
She also addressed the psychological barriers to change, noting that many people fear discomfort. "You have to be willing to be uncomfortable to experience the miracles that come from these resolutions," she remarked. On the topic of addiction, Marks pointed out that it often stems from external factors rather than inherent flaws. "Things are made to get us addicted. It's intentional," she said, citing the need for a supportive environment to combat these habits. She believes that while genetic predisposition can play a role, the responsibility lies in raising children with self-love and healthy habits.
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In the latter half, clinical social worker and certified hypnotherapist Jacob Cooper shared methods to increase well-being and motivation in the new year, as well as explored such topics as grief, mind-body techniques, numerology, and life purpose. Discussing the emotional weight of grief, especially during the holiday season, he pointed out how loss can amplify feelings of isolation. He believes that grief is a natural response to any ending, not just death, and that "if you want to heal it, you have to feel it." Cooper also touched on the significance of the upcoming year in numerology, describing 2025 as a time for "finding cohesion" after a period of upheaval. He urged listeners to embrace the present, stating, "The impermanence of our time here can lead to a more purposeful life."
As a hypnotherapist, he helps clients explore past lives, often guiding them to answer the question, "Why am I here, and what's my purpose?" He encourages openness during sessions, suggesting that preconceived notions can limit the insights gained. He detailed various practices to enhance mental and emotional well-being, including the importance of gratitude and mindfulness in our fast-paced society. The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), which uses tapping on pressure points to promote emotional and physical flow can be a helpful tool, along with breathwork. "We take the breath for granted... just inhaling and exhaling mindfully can significantly improve brain health," Cooper stated. He also recommended understanding the "why" behind personal resolutions, suggesting that a self-loving motivation leads to lasting change. "If you have a strong why, you can have a very strong follow-up with how and what," he explained.