I know what you’re thinking, this is going to be another blog about New Year’s resolutions. Don’t worry, this is not that blog. But there are some things or at least one key thing that is needed as we move into the new year and that is YOU!
I encourage you in 2021 to recognize the fact that you are needed. What do I mean by this? Let’s look at the definition of need: “Require something because it is essential or very important. A thing that is wanted or required. It’s necessary or there is an obligation.”
YOU are required because you are essential and very important.
YOU are necessary, and have an obligation to YOU.
If 2020 taught me anything, it showed me that self-care is essential. Whether you call it making resolutions or setting goals, whatever your term of choice is – put yourself at the top of the list.
Putting yourself first looks different for different people. What is the same, is taking the time for our physical health, emotional health, spiritual and mental health. Maybe its carving out an hour to sit and binge on your favorite Netflix show. Maybe its the 30 minute drive to nowhere in particular, just quiet time for you. It could be the once a month getaway where you sit in a hotel room and just be. The champagne bible bath every Friday night to ease off the cares of the week. Whatever you choose to do, recognize it is necessary, because YOU are needed and necessary.
As women, so many times we put the needs of others before ourselves. This can often come at our own expense. If we are going to be at our best, this practice cannot continue. So whatever is on your list for the coming year, make sure you are at the top — unapologetically.
Allow me to offer a few ideas to help get started.
1- Be intentional about taking time for yourself. Only you know what that looks like and how it flows with your schedule. The important thing is that you take the time.
2- Listen to your body. Instead of working against ourselves, we have to work with ourselves. Our body will tell us when it is tired, when it needs rest. Too often we do not listen until it’s too late and our bodies force us to shutdown.
3- Create a space. Everyone needs a place they can go for solace and sanctuary. Have a dedicated space that you can go for peace. A place to still your mind, pray, meditate, read, rest.
4- Try something new. It could be a new restaurant, food, book; whatever moves you. Whatever you decide, do it for you! You never know when you might find what speaks to your soul.
Let’s review (sorry, you never know when the teacher in me will pop up). What’s needed in the new year? YOU ARE NEEDED… because YOU ARE IMPORTANT!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, a psychologist or therapist. I in know way write this under the guise of a professional. I am however, a woman who has lived over 4 decades. I am a mother and public school teacher. I’ve even been a wife. Professionally certified, no. Life certified, oh yeah!
www.natashamenifee.com 
One response to “What’s Needed in the New Year?”
[…] despite the ups and downs of 2021, we learned What We Needed in the New Year and it was ourselves. The awareness of social and emotional health became evident as the year […]
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