Dreams and Goals for the New Year

It’s a new year – a time for dreaming of the future, for making resolutions, for setting goals. What are your dreams for your future? If you could do anything, what would it be?

Sometimes the thought of a big dream or the prospect of setting goals can be overwhelming.

But setting goals doesn’t have to be scary and overwhelming. Here are 6 tips to help get you started.

1 - Be realistic. Start with your strengths. What are you good at? What are you passionate about? Start there and dream. Of course, you can dream about doing anything you want, but your chance of success will be greater if you make your dreams and goals realistic. To be honest, some goals just aren’t realistic. No matter how much a 40-year-old woman who cannot turn a cartwheel wants it, she just isn’t going to become an Olympic gymnast. But she could learn 10 yoga poses or learn how to salsa dance. So take the big, big dreams and if you need to, tweak them a little to make them realistic.

2 - Be specific. You won’t know if you meet your goal if it’s not specific and measurable. What exactly do you want to achieve? When? Rather than “I want to be happier this year,” think about what specifically will make you happier? Will completing a diploma or degree make you happier? Will leaving a toxic relationship make you happier? Will having $500 in savings make you happier? Will owning a car or getting a raise or learning to decorate cakes or sewing a quilt or reading twenty books make you happier?

Rather than thinking, “I want to be more financially stable,” think about exactly what you mean by that. Do you want to earn a specific amount of money each month? Do you want to create a budget and stick to it? Do you want to end each month with a specific amount of money in the bank after the bills are paid? Set that specific goal.

Defining a goal will make it clearer and easier to reach. Plus, you’ll know exactly when you accomplish it so you can celebrate!

3 - Be strategic. Dream big, but plan small. Set the big goal and then work backward, breaking it down with a clear action plan. If your big goal is to earn a college degree, then smaller goals might be to take the SAT by a certain date and to complete the FAFSA by a certain date and to apply to so many colleges by another date. If your big goal is to become a nurse or to become an engineer or to earn a cosmetology license, then what small goals do you need to accomplish in order to meet the big one? Work backward and set those small goals with deadlines.

4 - Be watchful. Track your progress. Write things down. Set deadlines on a monthly planner. Make lists and cross things off as you complete them. Celebrate small successes. Small successes breed bigger successes. When you can see your progress, you’ll be motivated to continue.

5 - Be proactive. Take some time to honestly think about what obstacles might prevent you from achieving your goal. Make a list of those. And then brainstorm ways to overcome those obstacles. Surprise roadblocks can really mess up your plans; but if you’ve already anticipated the problem, you’re less likely to give up when things get hard.

6 - Be supported. When other people know about your goals, they can hold you accountable and encourage you. They can also help out with the logistics of overcoming those obstacles we just talked about. But be careful. Not everyone will be encouraging and helpful. Find people who will be your cheerleaders and surround yourself with them. You’ll be more likely to succeed if you have the support of people who love you and are rooting for you.

Even if your path has taken some unexpected twists and turns, you can start now and dream beautiful dreams for your future. Then you can set goals and make those beautiful dreams come true. Our hope for you is that you know that you’re worth all the best dreaming and goal-setting. And if we can help you move toward a healthier or happier future, please call us.

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What to Do When Friends and Family Are Pressuring You into an Abortion Decision

April 2, 2025

What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.

The Role of Support Systems When Considering Abortion

March 7, 2025

Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

February 13, 2025

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.