Each Monday, I get a comic strip in my email called Every Vowel (link) which is about the letter Y and his life lessons. Today's was about setting and failing to keep New Year's resolutions. After the comic, the writer makes the point that, "resolutions aren't about grandiose goals but constant habits". Usually, I make some resolutions about being a better doctor or eating better, losing weight, exercising more, being happier or more appreciative. I, like most people, make it about two months before faltering, before stress or work takes over. Then I feel guilty for having given up, and end up faltering more.
This year, I want to try something different. My resolution will cover all the things mentioned above, but is not based on any one alone. My resolution is to do one self-care activity per day. This is everything from writing, painting, knitting, reading, exercising, eating mindfully, mindful meditation, massages, yoga, hiking, etc. The list goes on and on. I can do more than one, if I have the time, or start one. It doesn't take much time, 10-15 minutes on a busy day, or more if I want. The goal is simply to do, so that maybe by the time I get married and start my new job and buy a new house, I will be less stressed because I know what I need to do for my mental health. Even if I do end up getting stressed out, I will have a tactic to help combat the spiral.
Today, I finished a knitting project I started this time last year. It's a cute sweater for my Chiweenie so he finally has one that is long enough for him. I taught myself how to make cables. It is the first thing I've knitted that wasn't just a fancy square. It took most of the day to complete it, but it is done. I can move on to another project. Here I leave you with a picture of sweet little Odie wearing his new sweater:
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