Resolutions

A late post. I know the date. I've been trying to get to write this since the beginning of the year when I set this resolution. Since everyone has gone back to work and school its as if I've gone back to work as well. The first publication date of the new parish magazine fast approaches and as well as mopping up the remains of the project management side of it all I've been setting pages. Its tense and daily work. I'm learning how to juggle it with family life and home responsibilities but I still find distractions (cat let a live mouse go in the house one morning, a ring had gone on the cooker and I found a poorly wild rabbit in the garden) All demand some organisation and problem solving time. Long days.

It means that this years chosen resolution is even more apt. In one word:

ME

I've always believed that we have to balance 3 sides of ourselves. physical, mental and spiritual, in order to stay healthy. All areas have to be worked on and cared for - that sounds like hard work, but that's not what I mean.

Last year I  started looking after my physical health better. I've taken the gym more seriously and been more mindful of eating habits; which has resulted in me dropping a dress size. I was only marginally over weight in the first place but I didn't want it to be a slippery slope! I've summed it up to anyone who asks that in under 2 years I'll be 50 - I've no intention of looking 50!!

Spiritually I'm in a better place too. Its not something I ever discuss publicly online. Like my politics I know what I believe, but its not up for open discussion.

Mentally I'm a strong person. Self reliant and driven. I get down like everyone else of course, but not usually for long. I bounce with an inbuilt optimism and enthusiasm. But that needs protecting and  I need space to think and day dream. Relaxation is important so I'm not taken advantage of or  get burnt out.

I resolve to work on looking after myself and  creating a better work life balance this year. Its hard for women to take enough care of themselves especially if they have children or home responsibilities. I seem programmed to put children and community first. But I must set boundaries. Make sure for example that my twice a week gym habit which gives me more energy and strength physically and mentally (all those endorphins!) doesn't get sidelined

I've recently realised that if I take on something else like the magazine then something has to go. I am at capacity. What that something is I don't know currently. Once the first couple of editions have gone out then I'll be able to see just what a normal month's workload is like and I can plan accordingly. I have to have space to think.

So ME translates in to looking after myself more. Continuing good health habits, making sure I have enough rest and  relaxation time  - and not feeling guilty about it.!