A new year brings a fresh awareness of the days ahead. Whether you’re motivated by goals and resolutions or not, January can feel like an open invitation to try something new. If you’re coming into 2022 tired from the past year, it’s a great time to gently welcome something good into your life, something you’d love to begin or take part in.
Maybe you already know what that special thing is. Perhaps it’s getting out to kayak a local river, taking a trip, or nurturing your body. Or maybe you need a little time to consider what you’d like to invite into your life, whether it’s a new daily rhythm, a monthly date, or a once-in-a-lifetime event. If you’re still deciding on what seems good to you, ask yourself a few questions like,
· What interests me?
· What would I like to try that I haven’t yet?
· Is there something important I need to do?
Your answers may range from lighthearted to deeply meaningful. In a new year, with new days ahead, it’s a great time to say yes to something good, something new. This month's blog offers some ideas to get you started.
Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash
Try a New Look
While having some fun with your looks may seem frivolous, it can also bring benefits you can appreciate. If you’ve been battling against your natural hair color for some time, for example, letting it go gray can be a great way of releasing the struggle and embracing your natural beauty.
You might also try having fun with your style. Is there a trendy piece of clothing you’ve noticed recently? Try it out! Or perhaps you’ve been longing for a particular look of the past. Adding a trendy or “retro” piece to an outfit can be a great way to try something new and have a little fun. Why not grab those vintage shoes or sunglasses or that new top? A low-risk way to have a little style fun is to accessorize with something you’d like to experiment with. Feeling good about the way you look can increase your confidence, energy, and enjoyment of others and your daily activities.
Photo by Cloris Ying on Unsplash
Pursue a New Friendship
After living through a pandemic that has put strain on relationships and isolated family and friends from one another, we are all learning how important human connection is. Aging already comes with its own challenges. Isolation can make them feel extra heavy.
Pursuing friendship—with someone new, or with someone you’d like to reconnect with—can really help lighten up life. Finding someone to laugh with, who shares your interests, or who challenges you with their differences can lift your heart and improve your outlook.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out local community groups like book studies or support groups. Many meet online as well as in person. You might also consider taking a continuing education course in a topic that interests you or attending a religious service. That new friend could also be right in front of you. Is there someone you’ve recently shared a laugh or a conversation with? Reach out and see if they’d like to get together for coffee. A new friend could be one step away.
Photo by Estelle Queck on Unsplash
Make a Fun Plan
Fun is a big deal. When we have new experiences or visit favorite places, we enjoy ourselves and taste the goodness in life. Is there something fun you’d like to do in 2022? Many areas have local events, parks, and nature trails that are worth visiting. The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department features seasonal hikes, concerts, events, and markets all year long.
Or maybe you’re ready to head out of town. Visiting another place can stimulate the senses and revive your imagination for daily life. Whether it’s the trip of a lifetime or a much-loved destination, taking a trip can be a lot of fun and worth all the effort.
Care for Yourself
You’ve heard it before, but caring for yourself is always beneficial. Attending to the needs of our mind, body, and spirit helps us nurture our own dignity and remember that our lives are valuable. As you begin this year, is there something new you’d like to add to the way you care for yourself?
Maybe it’s a gentle addition to your daily routine—like stretching in the morning or before bed, trying yoga, or drinking a little more water. Or perhaps you’d like to try a new food, recipe, or beauty product. Even purchasing an interesting new tea at the grocery store can be a simple way to have a little fun while caring for yourself. Putting nourishing lotion on dry hands or rubbing sore feet can also go a long way to caring for your wellbeing. There are lots of ways, big and small, to nurture yourself this month and this year.
You’ve made it to 2022. Good for you! Welcome something new, and enjoy the adventure, the smiles, the goodness it brings.
The Cedars Retirement Community
The Cedars Retirement Community is a beautiful lakeside retirement residence located just outside of Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Cedars believes in providing the highest quality of life and opportunity for seniors. We continue to operate with great care during this pandemic and are following all guidelines issued by the CDC and ISDH. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
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