The weather here is beautiful this time of year – breezy, cool and sunny – and I hope to let that crisp air snap me out of my long-lasting funk, let it gush out the gunk clogging my heart, mind, and spirit. Yes, that's asking a lot from the weather, so I will help it along as best I can. Even as I take myself outside, I'll also turn inward to figure out some things, like:
* How do I take better care of myself – physically, mentally, emotionally?
* How do I stay focused on what's important to me and not get distracted, especially by things outside my control?
* What kind of challenges and goals do I set for myself so I move forward, slowly but surely, and not end up standing still, weighted down with unrealistic expectations?
Okay, so I have lots of questions and not many answers, but one thing I do know for sure is this:
All of us here at The Shellshank Redemption wish all of you a holiday season and a new year full of more joy than you know what to do with, laughter so loud and hearty it drowns out any negativity, so much energy and good health you thrum with it, and hope so strong and sure it pulls you through any darkness that dares show its face.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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How was your 2021? Do you have any answers or suggestions for the questions I'm mulling over? Kicking around any goals or making any plans for 2022?
I do have an answer for you on #2. I went through a long, hard period starting with my husband's death where I couldn't control much in life. Eventually, I learned to take what control I could and not focus as much on what I can't control. And as I'm feeling better, I care about more things. I hope you figure it out. Email me if you want to talk. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice comment, Natalie, thank you! I have been working on "acceptance" and "letting more things go" and that's been helping.
DeleteI'm asking myself similar questions. Figuring out a strategy will go a long way to me making goals/plans for 2022.
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season as well!
I hope you find the answers you need, MJ. I'm all over the place in trying to pin down goals and make plans for 2022.
DeleteThose are good questions for this time of year. Now, get outside and enjoy. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI'd better get out there - I've got two virtual 5k's (walking, not running) to finish by the end of the year. :o
Delete2021 was a year where I tried to control my anxiety and keep a handle on my stresses by avoiding falling into the worry trap. I also worked on my health and fitness. Happy Holidays Madeline.
ReplyDeleteI practically live inside the worry trap! I'm hoping that making positive changes in some areas of my life will ultimately help in others, too.
DeleteI'm asking myself many of the same questions, especially the ones about health. I have some ideas, but I need to put them into practice to know if they work. Two that have worked lately are:
ReplyDelete1 - Deep breathing for 5-10 minutes each day, with or without prayer. I physically, mentally, and emotionally feel stronger and more energetic after this.
2 - Short bits of work/writing/etc. 1-5 minutes is enough to get a lot done if I focus, and then allow myself to rest for a while before going again. It's sort of a sprint method - in a turtle like sprint fashion.
Don't know if those are really answers, but they have helped me.
Wishing you and your family health, laughter, and full joy for the season and the new year!
Happy Holidays!
Thank you for sharing, Tyrean. I was doing deep breathing and/or meditation a while back, and I found it helped. Unfortunately, I didn't do it consistently enough, and I fell out of the habit. But that's definitely something I want to get back to.
DeleteGood luck in finding those answers!
I'm currently reassessing my daily activity to see how I can better take care of myself, too. I've come to accept that there are things I can't expect from myself, such as getting up any earlier than I already am. I also can't count on having time after I get off work. So I have to weigh what I want and need with what I can actually accomplish. For me, that's 20 seconds of jump rope dispersed through my day while at work. It might not bring the benefit of a 30 minute workout, but it's one small step I can make without requiring much of myself that would tax me mentally and emotionally.
ReplyDeleteOn that thought, how did the walking go this year? Did you reach your goal?
I think being realistic with our expectations is so important, Loni. And I think your jump rope plan sounds great!
DeleteThank you for asking about the walking challenge! Unfortunately, I did end up stopping. I was just so far behind, and I put so much pressure on myself to keep going even though I knew I wasn't going to come close that I was making myself crazy. So, I'm still walking just not pushing, if that makes sense. But I am considering on signing up for another challenge or two but ones that are more manageable - hopefully! - for me. :)
I just wish I could answer it! :)
ReplyDeleteI recently wrote down my goals because I felt I was slipping away from what I really wanted to achieve - they're all writing goals, because that's my true love.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good time to take stock of everything, to work out what's right for you and what can be left behind. I hope you find the answers. Merry Christmas x
Great comment, Annalisa! One of the hardest things for me is leaving things - goals, hopes, dreams, expectations, etc - behind. I want to do everything and do it all perfectly, and that is just not possible. Sigh.
DeleteWhat kind of challenges and goals do I set for myself so I move forward, slowly but surely, and not end up standing still, weighted down with unrealistic expectations?
ReplyDeleteMmm. These are questions I need to consider v-e-r-y carefully since it was tough with the full-time teaching load I had this year; and I don't think it's going to be any better next year.
I need to find a balance, especially with my writing...
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, Madeline!
I think that's the trick, Michelle, managing expectations. You already know next year is going to be rough so take that into account. And make sure you work being kind to yourself in there somewhere. :)
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