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This is my declaration for this year.  We’ve now had several years of COVID, bunkering in our homes, being worried about disease, and being isolated.  So many are feeling stressed out and alone.  And now, there is talk about a new strain of the flu, and an increase in cases.  Not to make light of a serious situation, but isn’t that how flu and disease, in general operates?  It mutates and changes and we have to deal with it the best that we can.  So my declaration isn’t a head in the sand, ignore what’s going on in the world, but rather a stand we can take in the face of everything that is going on in the world. 

What if we choose to be happy anyway?  How could that look?  What are things that make you happy?  Maybe start with better self-care.  That, I know is becoming a current catch phrase.  Are you managing your self-care?  But it is so important.  You can’t effectively take care of anyone else if you’re not taking care of yourself.  Start by checking in with your habits.  Are you getting enough sleep?  Are you eating healthy foods at least 80% of the time?  Are you walking or getting some form of exercise regularly?  What about down time, spent reading, meditating or some other quiet, soul enriching activity?  Other activities to check in on might be to monitor how much time you spend on your devices?  Is it productive or distracting?  That alone, can be extremely detrimental to one’s self-care.  And, how tolerant are you of others and other people’s ideas. Heaven forbid someone has a differing opinion from ours.   They must be stupid or evil.  Instead of jumping to conclusions (some people’s favorite form of exercise) what if we took on being understanding.  A good starting point is to be compassionate with yourself.  Everyone is going through stuff.  No one is immune.  Quit judging others.  Try living by ‘Judge not lest we be judged’.  Forgive yourself.  Forgive others. Be compassionate with everyone.

So, I’m taking a stand for a happy 2023.  I’d love for you to join me on this journey.  Spend a few minutes at the beginning and end of your day in gratitude.  Show compassion to yourself and others, especially those that frustrate you.  You don’t know what they are dealing with.  Turn off your device and have an actual conversation with a person.  Listen.  Do a spontaneous act of kindness for someone.  Smile more. Complain less.  Don’t jump on a bandwagon that is negative.  Encourage someone.  You’ll be amazed to see how much better you’ll feel too.  I’m happy for this new year and yes, I’ve set a few goals, not many but a few I’m committing to.  I think that’s another area where people go awry, they set too many unrealistic goals then beat themselves up when they don’t reach them.  Set less or no goals, maybe just commit to something, such as self-care or compassion and start instituting it as a regular practice.  I think everyone would be a lot happier.  This can spread just by our taking a stand.  Please join me on this mission.  I think you are smart, beautiful, kind and compassionate.  I wish you all a happy 2023!