I don’t tell myself the exact same thing each January. But when I think of it, I can see a common theme: take care of yourself.
For several years, I didn’t create New Year’s resolutions so much as priorities: family, friends, writing, and so on. Listing those things helped to remind me to keep my thoughts and activities in line with what was most important to me. That’s one way to take care of myself.
A few years ago, I switched to watchwords for each year. My word for 2020 was Wellness. Yes, I see the irony in choosing that right before a pandemic! But it did give me permission to make my physical and mental health a priority. At the end of the year, I still needed to work on that, so I used Wellness the next year, too. 2022’s watchword was Ask, as in ask for help when I need it, ask questions to better understand people, and so on. That was a valuable practice, and I hope to continue to do that. This year, my word is Time, as in think about how I want to use my time and don’t let my time fill up with unimportant things.
Together, all these January exercises remind me to take care of myself. Many of us, especially women, live serving others, sometimes at the expense of our own needs. In our culture, that is seen as noble. But it’s not healthy. We need to take care of ourselves before we can help others.
If you need a reminder to take care of yourself, this is it. Make 2023 your time to stay or get healthy—mentally, physically, spiritually. Nurture yourself and see to your own needs. Listen to the voice in your heart.
I wish you the best year ever! Take care.
Lynn Lovegreen has lived in Alaska for most of her life. After twenty years in the classroom, she retired to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and volunteering for her local library. Her young adult historical romance is set in Alaska, a great place for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com.
