2021

I am not a fan of New Year resolutions for myself. However, 2020 being the year that it was (or will be by the time I post this... if I post it) the start of a new year begs for something. 

In my email today, I received the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)Newsletter. The theme of this month's newsletter "Building Back Stronger in 2021" has left me with some thoughts for the non-resolution something I believe I am looking for. 

1) "Acknowledging the good around you can put you in a better mood and is a positive way to start the New Year." 

• I'll start with acknowledging that I am grateful I took the MHFA course last December (2019). I didn't take it with COVID in mind but it sure was helpful in that regard and I imagine it will continue to be so. 
• I am also grateful for a job that was not eliminated or reduced in 2020. In fact, heading into 2021 my job description has been re-defined due to a merger. This move will mean more, and more challenging, work. The challenge will give me a renewed excitement for my 23 year career and divert my focus away from fear and anxiety that have plagued me for years and seem worse as I get older. It may add to them as well but "Acknowledging the good around you can put you in a better mood..." 
• I am also grateful to learn that I am CMV negative. I was informed of this at our blood donation today. Turns out Cytomegalovirus is a virus that affects most adults at some point in their lives. Most never know they had it. The antibodies stay in your body forever. The antibodies are harmless to adults but fatal to babies. Being one of only 15% of adults that are CMV negative means my blood can be safely given to babies and young children. I'm going to do my best to donate as often as possible this year. 

2) "It can also be helpful to create a self-care routine to take with you into 2021"

• About a week ago, I decided to make the commitment to Yoga With Adrienne's BREATH 30-day yoga challenge which starts tomorrow. This will serve as a start to a self-care routine. 
• I also would like to see a return to more hiking and walking in 2021. Both activities work wonders for me both physically and mentally.  

Happy New Year

Keep Smiling and Keep Moving

-Paula