Friday | Finding a New Rhythm

I’m working hard to take the message of Wednesday’s post to heart. It’s difficult for me to not jump into new goals and aspirations on January 1st given my oldest child syndrome and perfectionistic tendencies. I experience quite a bit of panic at the beginning of the year given my personality and past — what would make others happier with me? how can I impress [insert name]? what would make me stand out in a crowd?

Does any of this sound familiar to you? Am I the only one?

But this year I’m striving towards finding what makes a good life for me. Not what others will see as impressive or the correct way to live one’s life. I’ve spent the last several weeks considering what is nourishing to me and how to make sure I get a healthy dose of those activities throughout the week. So I’m planning to spend January gently exploring those activities and experimenting with how to work them into my day. This won’t be an all or nothing approach that I usually have in a new year. Just experiments.

Working in: Walks, yoga, gentle strength training.
These activities sustain my body in gentle ways: this combination of movement will help ensure mobility throughout my life and all three give me the opportunity to be alone and to focus on the connection between my breath and body. This nourishes my soul.

Leaving out for now: spinning
I love my spin bike, but I’m going to let it go for January and focus on more gentle movement for now. I want to ensure a solid foundation of walking, yoga, and strength training before trying to squeeze in something else.

Working in: ensuring there’s time each day to prepare healthy and nourishing meals.
Sometimes I feel resentful about cooking — it always seems to interrupt something in my day! And still, there’s nothing better than a delicious meal to make me feel cared for. I’ve gotten good at prepping healthy meals in advance which is helpful and yet: my attitude around this activity is still quite poor. I want to arrange my time in January so that cooking and preparing food is a natural part of my day instead of feeling so forced. And to find ways to notice how I feel before, during, and after cooking.

Working in: time at my desk
I want to continue to prioritize journaling and blogging in January. I think this also means prioritizing a little time after lunch for writing. Even 20 minutes will make a huge difference in this practice for me!

Priorities & gentleness:
Those feel like my key words for January. What is truly important to me right now and how I want to go about my day.

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How about you? How are you coping with the beginning of a new year? Did you set resolutions? Are you still considering? Or have you decided on no resolutions? I’d love to hear about how you’re reflecting on this new year.

I hope wherever you are, you’re finding ways to prioritize what’s important and to be gentle with yourself. Take good care.