Happy 2021!

I can’t believe the new year is here!

How did that happen? 2020 passed by, and honestly, I have a blurred memory of all the things throughout the year. Time seemed to roll out differently while I had to change my lifestyle completely.

I feel exhausted. It’s a different type of fatigue that has not improved in the past few weeks, and I know many of you feel the same. It has been hard to go beyond my basic daily tasks, as any small effort seems to be too much for me these days. Today I feel overwhelmed and tired, with little energy to continue to the next step.

When talking to my therapist about my on-going fatigue, I found out I am not the only one feeling this way. Living for months out of our comfort zones has triggered all sorts of feelings – in adults, teens, and children. So, I am here today to tell you that you are not alone.

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re doing something.” – Neil Gaiman

Mind Our Feelings

Our feelings and emotions matter; our mental health has to be a priority moving forward. Our mind is an active part of our physical health, and that’s why we need to pay attention to it.

Not everyone talks about real feelings. It’s hard to show our dark spots and weaknesses, but that does not mean they do not exist.

Social media and virtual interactions have created an environment where everyone likes to show off their best selves. But that is not the entire truth.

I know we are still learning to lean in and adapt to a new reality, and we need to remember, we are stronger together. That means we all have better and worse days, and that’s the way life is.

Tomorrow, we will write the first page of our new 365-page book.

Cheers to New Beginnings

The new year usually marks a significant milestone, and it brings lots of hope. We hear about all sorts of plans – a better diet, a new relationship, a different job, a new addition to the family.

I cannot imagine living a day without hope. Hope helps us try different things and gives us the energy and zest to believe we are empowered to better our lives.

Unlike in previous years, I don’t have big dreams this time, nor a long to-do list for 2021. That does not mean they are ‘simple.’

They include giving increased value to my health and my family’s health. I’ll be paying more attention to the details – our lifestyles and how we build more quality time into our routine together as a family.

Last year, the pandemic was not the only disruption in my family’s reality. We had to fight lupus and cancer treatment and surgery, anxiety, the fear of being vulnerable, and the inability to control our future. Nevertheless, we are here. Stronger and together.

I am sure many of you have experienced your type of challenges, as well. And for each of you, I want you to remember that every strong person has had a challenging past and has had to learn to fight tough situations. That’s how we build our resilience and inner strength.

So for 2021, be sure that you are much stronger than 365 days ago. That no matter your dreams or hopes, you are ready to tackle them and build a bright tomorrow by working on your present moment. Today is a gift.

Happy New Year. I wish you peace in your heart, wisdom in your decisions, and health to your body and mind.

Yours truly,

Hope