One-word theme
The cliff edge of New Year’s resolutions
There was a somewhat depressing inevitability to yesterday, when I found myself back on the scales and weighing the cost of a chilled out, but indulgent Christmas holiday. Without fail my mind raced to resolutions to rid myself of those unfavourable numbers in 2019. I took some consolation in the thought that I was probably not alone in that experience on the annual day of fresh starts.
Apart from over indulging over the holiday, I have also been exploring the world of Podcasts – sure, I am very late to this party. Gretchen Rubin’s Happier podcast was one which I dipped into. I was intrigued by her idea of picking a one-word theme for the coming year. Picking a theme is not as constraining or over reaching as a resolution and has the flexibility to evolve with you and your year. Having only one word to recall keeps it simple, more difficult to ignore and more likely to support you in your intention. I immediately warmed to this idea, and the word that popped into my head was “self-care”.
Self-care as a discipline
It is a term that keeps popping up in the press and on social media and feels targeted at women of a certain stage in their life, with a bit of disposable income that can be utilised to fund “me” time.
While I certainly tick those marketing demographics, the article that really turned me onto self-care was shared by a colleague of mine from Forbes magazine entitled “Self-care is not an indulgence. It’s a discipline.”
According to the author, Tami Forman, self-care “requires tough-mindedness, a deep and personal understanding of your priorities, and a respect for both yourself and the people you choose to spend your life with.” There is nothing fluffy or indulgent about this definition of self-care, and yet it resonates strongly with me.
A purpose for 2019
I spent a significant proportion of 2018, understanding my priorities and preparing myself so that my 2019 goal could be achieved; completing my master’s degree in Personalised Nutrition. This endeavour was put on hold two years ago causing a good deal of emotional turmoil and contributed to the dark cloud of failure which enveloped me for the best part of a year. An opportunity early in 2018 allowed me to work with a coach. It gave me the space to objectively review and resolve my feelings about a turbulent period, but critically it clarified my prioritises for the future and give me a ten point checklist to help guide future decisions. I am entering 2019 with a defined purpose. In many respects, I am more prepared for 2019, than any other year I can remember. It is exciting and intimidating in equal measure.
Having a clear purpose is one thing; but to protect it and myself, will necessitate that I be tough and clear headed. Employing self-care as a discipline rather than an emergency indulgence, so that I support my physical, mental and spiritual self feels less like a resolution and more like a lifestyle choice; a positive commitment to me and my purpose, rather than an arbitrary stick to beat myself with.
One word themes are a great way of heading off the mid-January blues, when your good intentions are a distant memory – what is yours for 2019?