It’s been a long year. And with Christmas and the new year upon us, I know that a lot of us just want to jump into January 2021 with renewed energy, revved up, and ready to smash all those goals we put aside in 2020. But is that what we really should be doing?
With a pandemic still in full swing, and winter Covid surges still surging, and vaccines that most people won’t get until March or later, I think we need to take it slow and build ourselves back up.
Let’s face it. We’re tired. Many of us have been playing hooky from our healthy lifestyles, workout routines, and other goals that were so on track in January and February of 2020. I think it would be better to ease into 2021 instead of diving in. So let’s take the four full weeks of January to build ourselves up while practicing some self-care.
Why start on January 3rd instead of January 1st? Because I think this is more important than setting a resolution on New Year’s Eve only to break it on New Year’s Day. We need to create a routine that involves self-care for the mind and body while helping us to decide our focus for the year and the steps we need to take to follow through.
What’s Involved
Each week, on Sunday, you’ll get an email with the week’s agenda. We’ll start on Sunday with some short journaling exercises about where we are and how we feel. Each week’s journal prompts lay the foundation for the next week so it’s important to do these journal exercises weekly.
Then on Monday through Saturday, we’ll start a movement and meditation program that starts small and builds each week. By the end, you’ll have a program of meditation, yoga, and movement that will take a minimum of 45 minutes each day. Sunday is your rest and journaling day.
By following these steps, we’ll be able to take care of our mind and body while we ease our way into 2021. Come join me on this journey.
After what we’ve been through, I think you’re onto something — to take care of our mind and body while we ease our way into 2021.
We can’t run into 2021 thinking the pandemic is over and it’s going to continue having an impact for several months.
At the beginning of the pandemic, I looked up every day how many people got covid in my county, then saw the first death reported. I also watched Washington state, where the pandemic started in the United States, statistics. As the pandemic spread, I followed the national statistics, watching the infections spread from the East Coast to the center of the country. Yesterday, I looked up my county’s statistics for the first time in months — 52 dead. I mourn those who have died, some needlessly due to lack of information, medical supplies, or medical care.
It is scary and sad. The needless deaths make me angry too, which is why I need this program as much as others do!
I keep thinking the light at the end of the tunnel is close, but Thanksgiving gatherings and Christmas festivities only make that time seem further away. But with a New Year it is time to look and plan ahead and not dwell on the recent past – or present.
This sounds wonderful, Jennifer. You always come up with such inspiring, helpful ideas.
Thank you, Laurie!
I don’t always do well with this kind of commitment, but what you say makes sense and I am willing to give it a try. I generally shy away from New year’s Resolutions and you are wise to have us start on the 3rd! Happy 3rd Day of Christmas, Michele
I hope you like the program and I’m excited that you’re going to be joining in.
THhnk you Jennifer. When will we start?
You should have received an email already. We start tomorrow.
I will check. Thanks.
I am not sure what I am looking for. Can you resend it? Or just tell me what to check. I looked in my spam folder. msomerville@susumc.org
A good idea for sure. Looking forward to a brighter future one day.
Yes, we’re all looking forward!