Looking Ahead At 2022

Well here we go!

It has been a challenging two plus years for each and every one of us. We've all had to adapt to a new way of living. We have changed the way we work, the way we school, the way we socialize and basically the way we function. All of this while holding out hope for a return to what we knew as normal. I speak for myself and possibly many others, when I say it has been exhausting both mentally and physically.

However, we are on the brink of 2022 and I feel good about this coming year for all of us. Looking out at the first fresh snow fall of the season gives me hope for the road ahead. A new year, a new start and a renewed determination to take care of ourselves and the ones we love.

Taking care of the people around us seems to come naturally and easily for most, but looking after our own well being can easily get placed on the back burner.

So I am not advocating making any crazy new year resolutions that will never be kept but I am suggesting a little kindness and self care be a part of everyone's goals going forward.

I thought I'd share a few suggestions that I plan to work on myself:

- Do something every day you feel good about, either for yourself or someone else.

- Do something physical every day, even if it is a short walk, alone, with a friend, or the dog. Something as simple as taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator gets the body moving. All of this counts as exercise!

- Don't deprive yourself of the foods you love but try to make choices that are good for you. Maybe reach for a piece of your favorite fruit or veggie snack instead of cookies or a bag of chips more often.

- Switch out soda, and sugary drinks for water on a more regular basis and save the other for an occasional indulgence. Getting enough water in your diet may provide health benefits including those in relation to your skin and digestive track.

- When you need some down time, take it. Carve out time to do some yoga, read another chapter of the book you started, or maybe a little meditation. What ever keeps you calm and at peace

- Get good sleep. It helps mentally and physically. There are studies that suggest getting enough sleep may aid weight loss, mood elevation, and many other health benefits. So keep this in mind in relation to your overall personal goals.

As a friend once so well phrased it, "the troop leader should never give up his own rain coat". Meaning that if we don't take care of ourselves we won't be in any condition to take care of the one's around us.

When we are the best version of ourselves, then we can help others be at their best too!

Wishing everyone and those you love happiness, health and peace in the new year!

Best,

Janet