If choosing “one word” for the New Year seems cliche, choosing the word “healthy” might be even more so. But, while it is the word I feel like I was given, the concept is much more holistic. Here’s what being “healthy” this coming year means…
- I’m going to make a dentist appointment. Why has everyone else in my family been to the dentist? Because Moms sometimes choose unnecessary self-sacrifice. Then, three years later, we look around and say, “Why haven’t I been to the dentist?”
- Redefining what feels indulgent. Working out, reading a book, taking a walk, going to bed before my kids, showering…all things that I put off far too often for other things that “seem” more important. Hello self, it is more than okay to stop, shower, care for your physical health, and get a full night’s sleep.
- Doing less to do more. I am not a high-energy person. Never have been. But, while my kids are at school I sometimes push myself to get “just one more thing done” because it seems like that’s what I should be doing when I have “free” time. Turns out, all that does is drain me for the time they are home. The plan is to pause more often so I can be more present with them.
- Feed my kids more frequently. I know this may sound strange but we are not “meal” people. This is partly because I dislike cooking but partly because our schedules are wonky. Being more of a “continual grazing” family will hopefully align better with our busy schedules, the children’s quickly growing bodies, their lightening metabolism, and take pressure off “meals.”
- Prioritize connection. Sometimes I don’t call folks because I feel like I “should” get to the to-do list or, worse, get to the “end of the list.” Turns out, there’s no such place. Tasks will always be there. People won’t.
- Prioritize personal writing. Whew, this one is shaky but I am hopeful. Because these are my deadlines and not someone else’s, I put personal projects off until nearly everything else is done. Thus, these projects lag and lag, not getting done for my own satisfaction or published for readers for their encouragement.
To close, I would like to extend a thank you to Clarissa Pinkola Estés, whose following quote served as a touchstone in the journey to this year’s direction…
I’ve seen women insist on cleaning everything in the house before they could sit down to write… and you know it’s a funny thing about housecleaning… it never comes to an end. Perfect way to stop a woman. A woman must be careful to not allow over-responsibility (or over-respectabilty) to steal her necessary creative rests, riffs, and raptures. She simply must put her foot down and say no to half of what she believes she “should” be doing. Art is not meant to be created in stolen moments only.
Art, like life, is not meant to exist only in stolen moments. Hopefully being “healthy” in these ways will help turn any unhealthy patterns inside out.
Blessings on your own adventures in 2025!
Previous “One Words”
And, just for my own sake (and in case you’re curious!) below are my “one words” from years past. It is interesting to see what they were in that season and how they’ve played out over the years.
(2019) Kindness. I believe this was my first one. And, I think I chose it because my kids were 7 and 4, kinda’ driving me bonkers.
(2020) Enjoy. The irony of seeing this printed on my desk throughout the pandemic was obvious. Also, it fit. I don’t know if ever before or ever since we will have the chance to pause and enjoy one another as we did that year.
(2021) I have no idea. I’m telling you this because I continue to work on perfectionism and it is humbling that I can’t remember. We moved. We survived. I’m counting that as a win.
(2022) Simplify. I’ve learned that picking “one word” and applying it takes practice, just like anything else. Last year was the first time I took action steps, intentionally “simplifying” what I gave my energy to and how many things I allowed myself to consider “doable” in a day. It was wonderful and effective. That is until I forgot for a bit in the fall and overbooked myself. Oh well, I’m glad for the guidance at least most of the year.
(2023) Chill Out/Free. This one was such a struggle. Sometimes discerning the word for the year comes easily and sometimes it doesn’t. But, once it finally did, it was such a relief. This was a year where things (finally) felt consistent and fear-free for the first time in a long, long time.
(2024) Focus. While I always strive to remember that I am a limited human, my ambition sometimes clouds that truth. Leading into 2024, I had a few experiences that told me I was trying to be too much, do too much, and thus, not being particularly effective at anything. It has been a joy this past year to live a more “limited” existence, moving more slowly, and intentionally doing only one thing at a time.
For more of Anne’s mental health and faith content check out her blog, Bible studies, and speaking engagements!
Photo by Paico Oficial on Unsplash
Anne Rulo 