Embracing a New Year

January 1, 2025

With 2025 now upon us, the new year brings both excitement and uncertainty. As we move forward, we should recognize the importance of acknowledging change and focusing on what we can control. “There are a lot of changes going on with the world around us,” says McCall’s Melissa Clarke, BA. Melissa’s an Employment Specialist who also leads wellness and fitness groups at McCall.

“Some people may adjust well to the changes,” notes Melissa, “but there are some who may struggle. They feel a little uneasy or unsettled with the uncertainty of what the future may hold.”

Focus on what you can control.

Melissa encourages individuals to ground themselves by recognizing their feelings and concentrating on what they can control. “Life always happens,” she says. That’s why it helps to focus on our reactions to situations – that’s what we have 100% control over.

Melissa’s approach with McCall clients involves fostering a mindset of progress and self-compassion. As Melissa puts it, “I like to highlight the fact that I want to have people acknowledge the small successes that they make throughout their journey, whether it’s employment goals or also fitness or wellness. Get used to celebrating progress.” As a result, the journey itself can be very rewarding.

Taking steps and asking for help.

Melissa believes in setting tangible, step-by-step goals to make progress feel more manageable. Adds Melisssa, “Whatever we’re working towards, everyone experiences some form of hardship or setbacks or maybe things don’t pan out the way that they planned it originally to be, and that’s okay. What’s really important is how you tackle those challenges – and asking for help.”

The sense of community at McCall plays a vital role in supporting individuals during their journeys. “Sometimes people don’t feel comfortable asking for help or don’t know what to ask for,” Melissa acknowledges. McCall offers a community of belonging where people can speak up, even if they’re unsure of what they need. Our highly trained clinicians can connect individuals with the resources and support to help
them heal.

Taking steps and asking for help.

For those looking to start fresh this year, Melissa’s advice is simple yet profound: Focus on the small steps. Celebrate your progress. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re ready to take that first step, the McCall Behavioral Health Network is here to help. Visit us online at www.mccallbhn.org or call our main office at 860.496.2100. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of growth, resilience, and new possibilities!

Learn more on WZBG

Miss the interview? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Visit our pressroom to hear Melissa Clarke, BA, encourage listeners to check in with themselves, embrace new opportunities for wellness, and set meaningful goals for a successful year ahead.

Click on the image to listen to the full FM 97.3 WZBG interview.

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