That Clean, Fresh Start

It's often at this time of year that I consider what I might want to bring into my coming New Year.

You know... not resolutions, but in that category.

I find it easier to add things than take things away.  So "I will do this" over "I will NOT do that".

I try not to set myself up to fail and if I'm adding something I like to add it now so it's closer to being a habit by the time January rolls around rather than pushing myself to be some kind of "perfect" from the 1st on.

Last year I started off with a one month yoga challenge and I did it!  And my body felt better for it (my massage person I've seen since the accident said my neck was feeling great and to keep doing what I was doing.)  But it waned.  I worked at not beating myself up over it.  It also impacted the walks I'd been going on as on days when I'd have to work pretty hard to get a yoga in I didn't always then have the energy to head outside for a long walk.  I really have only done that walk I used to do so very regularly a handful of times this year, it's kind of sad in some ways but hey, see the part about not beating myself up, right?

So I don't know what to add for myself this year.  Nothing drastic, that's for sure.  Nothing that will make me feel like I failed or let myself down.  But things that will help me move forward in the ways I want to (healthier, happier, more creative and productive and maybe even more social?)

Even just saying "healthier" is a LOT, really.  It can encompass food, nutrition, sleep, mental health and well being, exercise, screen time, thoughts and thinking, social stuff, being outside, boundaries, goals, etc etc... there is or can be SO much in just one word "healthier"!

Last time I hurt myself (somehow) and knew it was partly due to weak core muscles I wanted to make sure I did core work more regularly.  And I did, until I didn't.  My grip strength seems to be getting weaker?  (I'm having trouble opening things... often needing help even thought I really really try in different ways).  I'd like to work on my grip strength, but when was the last time I did those exercises?  Would I do them more if I bought a trainer thing?  If I paid for rock climbing lessons?  I'm imperfect (hi fellow humans) but do generally want what's best for current me and future me, you know?

Year end is weird in so many ways.... and looking at a new year to come when this one is still feeling pretty damn fresh and new feels extra strange.

Oh December... why do you have to be so.... extra?