Monday, January 12, 2026 2025 New Year’s Reflection Create a peaceful, purposeful year by setting boundaries that honour your worth Blogs National By Quentin Steen, Representative As I look back on 2025, I’ve learned the importance of protecting my energy, valuing my time, and honouring my needs. There were moments when I gave too much of myself—overexplained, stayed in draining situations, or settled for less than I deserved. This reflection has shown me that peace isn’t something external. It’s something I create within myself by setting boundaries. 6 Resolutions for the New Year (Adapted from The Mind Strategist: 6 Boundaries with Yourself for Inner Peace) Stop over-explaining. I will trust my decisions and let them stand on their own, without feeling the need to over-justify my actions or choices. Walk away from draining situations. I will listen to my intuition and step away from relationships, environments, or commitments that deplete my energy. Stop checking on those who don’t check on me. I will focus on nurturing mutual connections and stop chasing people who don’t reciprocate care or personal effort. Say no without guilt. I will practice saying no confidently when something doesn’t align with my values, goals, or energy levels, knowing that it’s okay to prioritize myself. Rest without feeling lazy. I will embrace rest as a vital part of my mental, emotional, and physical health, allowing myself to recharge guilt-free. Don’t settle for less than I deserve. I will set high standards for what I accept in relationships, opportunities, and self-growth, knowing my worth and not compromising on it. My Mental Health Affirmation for the Year Ahead I am committed to cultivating inner peace by respecting my boundaries, valuing my worth, and creating space for what truly matters to me. Quentin Steen is a certified mental health first aid instructor for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Get your BRAIN right and your MIND will follow! 3 Mental Health Resources to Help You If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, CLAC has a number of resources and interactive tools available to help you at My Health and Wellness. Stronger Minds features videos and quick reads from mental health experts, activities to help you gain resilience, and ask-an-expert videos in response to questions. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) provides accessible, reliable, and professionally produced resources on an array of health topics including (but not limited to): addictions, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, depression, etc. You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026