Unlike previous years, when we’d head to the coast for a few beach days, I spent the entire winter break here in the valley. The weather was exceptionally pleasant, and it was an invitation to be outside as much as possible. I spent time in my garden, delighting in this year’s banner crop of carrots, peas, and out-of-season corn. On the last afternoon of 2024, I took a long hike on South Mountain, reflecting on the year that was coming to an end, and wondering what 2025 will bring.
As we make a fresh start collectively and individually, it feels like a year of immense uncertainty, both globally and personally. The layers and layers of challenges facing our planet are overwhelming, to say the least. I try to stay informed, yet some days I can’t read another article or listen to another podcast about climate change or other problems. I acknowledge that this last sentence comes from a place of immense privilege, that I have the option to shut out the news, unlike others who are living it every day. Still, I know if I don’t take a break and take care of myself, I won’t be able to do the work I do each day.
In 2011 I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Fortunately, my surgery and treatment were minimal, and I’ve been cancer-free ever since (minus the thyroid cancer I had in 2012). It was one of the biggest wakeup calls of my life. I realized that I was taking care of everyone…except myself. The experience forced me to establish a self-care practice that is alive and well today.
In addition to getting plenty of sleep, exercising, practicing meditation, and eating well, a significant aspect of my self-care practice is remembering to stay present to what’s right in front of me. These days there are infinite distractions pulling us away from what we’re doing, and I find that the more I stay present, the less stress and worry about other things seep into my mind. Finally, one of the most important parts of my self-care, especially as we start this new year, is to remember the preciousness of the community that surrounds me. As luck would have it, just this morning I received a quote from a parent about this very notion. It’s from the United States Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy:
“So, what makes community possible? Three core elements: relationships, service, and purpose. And one core virtue: love. Together, they create the ecosystem of meaning and belonging that are essential for fulfillment.”
As we all move into this new year, regardless of whatever is going on in the world, I hope you’ll continue to draw on the Seed community for nourishment and support, remembering that loving kindness makes a difference in every moment of our lives.
I sometimes joke, as a way of greeting people in the morning, “A fresh start, a new beginning!”
The more I say it the less of a joke it is and it becomes a reminder to myself to be present in this moment.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Mary.