2022, what it may offer
not a new years resolution, but a way of living
2022
I’m not big on predictions, however based on the past two years I’d say this is a good time to know yourself and focus on self-care. Weariness is in the air and not in the usual winter New England-y way. This latest variant is penetrating NYC in ways Ive never seen, so many are sick though the symptoms are thankfully milder.
Nonetheless, it feels like a layer of vitality was shaved off folks. To develop some resilience I’ve taken a few approaches I’ll share over posts on this substack, this is a-work-in-progress. Navigating this situation is a personal and professional focus of mine, I hope this is useful to contemplate.
The direction I’m pointing towards is seeing 2022 as an opportunity to discover peace within. That might sound new-agey (not my bag) or abstract, but is intentionally simple (yet challenging). If I were to whittle down a random list of therapies I would characterize them as helping the seeker find some semblance of peace in their personal, professional or family life. Peace of mind, I believe, is fluid versus an endpoint. Such a journey can open avenues to know oneself with increased clarity.
Life’s ‘mental’ lens (versus ‘emotional’) can be refined in many ways; that which quiets the mind, exercises the mind, re-frames thoughts or focuses them… one avenue that offers focus and relief is engaging the mind in an interesting project over time. With the evolution of variants and pending mid-term elections, I think it might be helpful to engage in something, versus (for example) consuming too much news… Finding a project might be an odd thing to suggest, but you’d be surprised how it can keep a mind from creating problems. So why not do a small paint project, clear the garage or basement, or frame some pictures. When knitting enthusiasts speak about their craft, or a runner talks about training for a 5k, it’s as if the world’s troubles fade. That sounds like a mini-vacation to me… If you think about it, the heart has space to sing when the mind is not sucking all the air out of the room. While these activities create enjoyment with challenge, they tend to fully engage the mind.
You may read this and think- work, finances, family, health or emotions will interfere. It’s true, a little bit of energy is needed to engage a project of any size. So maybe that means an area needs more attention, or the project could be a lot smaller or with less pressure. For example, depression’s negative thinking interferes with taking action, so consulting your provider on improving depression can be useful first step so there is space for a small project. If finances are limited, becoming creative about resources (collecting tossed scraps from fabric stores to be play with) might be an approach. If a family occupies time and energy, maybe invite a relative or child into the project. Regarding myself, I had a few health issues I needed to address and spent a few months reading about them. After gathering enough information coupled with medical visits, I altered diet, nutrition and changed a few habits till it lifted enough to make other changes. Eventually I was led to having space for creative projects like this substack. In summary, these changes take time (and patience) and you never know where it may lead you.
Lastly, from time to time I’ll hear someone say they don’t know what they like to do. That’s okay, there may be no better time than the present to explore that. While discovery might be associated with youth, it persist through the ages! I believe imagination is built into us. You can see it in children’s play. A stick can become a shovel, a microphone, a rocket, a magician’s wand or a teacher’s pointer. If any of these suggestions sound too big, begin very very small; focus on a shelf in a room, or a kitchen drawer, or maybe help a friend with a project. One tiny step can be followed by another, then another… you might be surprised where it leads you.
