When I first read the prompt, I thought it said what would you do differently? I pre-planned my writing to take you on a journey of how each one of my choices would have changed my life drastically. However, that is not what the prompt said. Instead it says what COULD you do differently? This is a thoroughly different answer because it deals with the present and what I can actively improve in my life. For the new year’s this year, I decided to do just that. I decided that this would be the year I would improve on my mental health.
It’s funny because I am writing this while sitting in a church pew while my daughter is at Sunday school. I overslept and missed our usual 9:30 time. Going to mass, as many Sundays as possible, is something I wanted to change for 2024. I find peace and solace in the services. It has been strange, but whatever my worries have been throughout the week, the message at mass tends to be the answer I am looking for. I leave feeling calm and able to go into my work week with a clear head. I could read the week’s service in my Every Sacred Sunday journal, but there’s something about coming to the service and being a part of the group that adds to my healing.
Journaling is another thing that I am changing this year. Not only do I have the Every Sacred Sunday journal, which prompts me to engage and process what I heard during mass. I am also journaling for myself. I have used blogging almost as a journal for most of my life. I don’t know why I have had issues with journaling since I enjoy writing. Maybe it’s because when I blog I hold back. I keep pieces to myself that I don’t want out on the internet. However, with journaling, it’s just for me. I have only done it a few times, but I have been honest with myself and feelings. It has helped me digest my emotions better instead of keeping them bottled up inside.
I know the whole it’s a new year new you thing is cliche, however I’ve never really taken part in this tradition. This year I decided all the things that I was waiting for and making excuses not to do, I would not allow myself to falter. I need to make time for myself, to care for my well being or there would be nothing left of me. All the reasons I have excused myself for not caring for me have been for my children. But after some harsh reflection, I realized if I didn’t take time away for myself, there wouldn’t be anything left of me for them.
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