2021 and determined:

Ok, so I made it to 2021 with a good bit of my sanity intact…. now what?

After the year I have had mentally, physically – there is nothing left to do but plug my nose and jump in with both feet.  Each year, I decide on a focus word (as opposed to setting those pesky resolutions that no one seems to be able to keep) or rather the word finds me.  Last year, the word was “Joy” and although 2020 was what it was, I had a lot of joy.  The year before that was “blessings”.  Each brought about what I focused on and I was satisfied.  A focus word for me is something that I can take with me as I go about my day, my year.  I can put it on post it notes and tape them to my bathroom mirror, in my car and at my desk.  It helps me stay…well…focused…on what I wish to accomplish for the year and every victory no matter the size is to be celebrated.

Sure, I would love to lose 10 pounds, and a hell of a lot more than that!  I would like to give up energy drinks (I say this as an empty can sits next to my left elbow) and I think I would like to become more organized but these are all tasks that once accomplished, I am left with ‘what to do next?’  With a focus word it can encompass all of those things and more, and it will allow me to be ever changing and accomplishing and absolutely ever evolving.

So, what is my focus word for this year?  It is simple but packs a punch!  My word is: RESTORE.

I want to restore my physical health by intuitive eating and giving up on dieting as well as getting myself out and moving more.  Whether it is a solo mission or my hubby does it with me, I would like to walk more, do more yoga, and eventually (and as the weather turns nice) go hiking!  Hopefully, my hubby’s broken foot will be healed completely by summer for that last one because there is a hike at a glen near our home that is challenging and I would like to make it to the top to see the great waterfall and maybe go for a swim!

Mentally, there is much to work on and I will take that in small bites.

Spiritually, I need to meditate more and make it a daily practice again.  I now have the equipment at my desk that will allow for that, so there is no excuse.  I would like to continue using and learning more about Ho opono pono and healing in ways that I sometimes think incapable.  PTSD is a bitch and among other things, it can really stop you in your tracks.

When I was in college, I took a “Mind/body connection” course and have a large 3-inch, 3-ring binder up in storage (somewhere) that I would love to get out and work through again.  I kept a lot of my health and wellness text books and need to get a hold of that tote and after taking a walk down memory lane, dig in and resurrect my…er… myself, really.  I think we are going to get a chance to get up to the storage shed next week as one of the things we need to do is organize it and I am pretty sure that that tote is the one chilling in the back corner with the camping gear!

January 1, 2021:  RESTORE.  Today I ate a salad with dinner.  Resolved to buy “Green Goddess” salad dressing made by Primal Kitchen, the next time I am at the store.  I listened to my body and took a nap (at 5:00 pm) instead of fighting through the fatigue and getting a headache and woke 40 minutes later feeling refreshed.  I am going to post this and then go drink a nice cold glass of water and then curl up with some tea and read a book that I am totally enthralled by!  I will go to sleep when I grow tired of reading and wake tomorrow and focus on restoration!

(I am enthusiastically reading “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab, not my normal genre but I stepped out of comfort zone and I am so glad that I did!! I may be reading another one of her works with my best friend so we can enjoy and discuss.  So, by stepping out of my zone, I think I am quickly discovering a new author and I am grateful.)

What is your focus word?  How will you regard yourself this year?  My wish for you is that you find joy and accomplishment in everything that you set out to do!  Good night!