So, I am grateful. I had breakfast to eat today and a car to drive and a job to go to. My child is safe and warm this morning. Though I wasn’t gung-ho about the oatmeal or coming to work or the fact that my high schooler has to sit home alone all day and do “school”, we are blessed.

Part of the reasons for the blues is definitely because of Christmas ending. No doubt. But other reasons are still living in this lockdown in an area where our schools could be open. Also the thought of no longer having my mom in my life, haunts me. I miss her like flowers miss rain.

This isn’t the usual motivational, “New Year, New You” post. But I’m getting there. I decided not to make resolutions because last year started out great for 3 weeks and then mom was diagnosed with Glioblastoma and then covid hit and school closed.

So, I haven’t made a list of things I will work on to change my life nor have I committed to challenges with others. But what I have done is just started doing things that I feel are beneficial. No pomp and circumstance, just real life application.

As a wise guy named Lance told me and D once, ‘you just go and you do’. So, I’m going and doing:

Reading–

I finished a historical fiction book yesterday that I have read over for 4 mos or more. It was great! Last night I started a new one. No more endless hours of Netflix. I want to learn more this year.

Writing

I have said this more times than I have said the word so. Whether on sticky notes on this blog or a prompt journal, no more lists about writing, or vision boards or major statements. I’m just writing.

Drinking H2O and Clean Eating

I start a program, make prep for it and something derails it. I chose to jump in and do all I can to get in a gallon of water a day. I am also eating 3 meals a day, with 2 snacks spaced. If I mess up, at least I’m trying.

Movement

I am going to move everyday in some way outside of walking to and from the car or running errands. It may be stretching, a yoga DVD or jogging in place, I am going to get in solid exercise weekly. No schedule or harsh commitments

Praying

I’ve started kneeling and at prayer time. I have time to screw around on social media, I can certainly make time to give homage to Jesus for a few minutes before going to bed. If some nights I fall into bed, then I will do better the next time. ——————————————–

I make a big deal in this post how I am not going to make proclamations this year about what I am going to do. But I write about them. 🙂 The difference is this year, and years to come I’m just going to make changes and not lament about what I should do.

This is where many of us fail because we put pressure on ourselves but don’t measure up. No need to make a big show of what changes we need nor can we completely slack off if these are necessary to our happiness or success, but giving ourselves space to breathe if we miss a day here or there is key.

We all have things we could or should do, but if we don’t use balance, we will find ourselves either overly stressed or disappointed that we remain stagnant. My wish for all of us is that we manage our expectations and workload and improve and accomplish what we desire but enjoy and appreciate the process. Most of all, applaud ourselves for trying!

~simply

Dee