Making New Year’s resolutions as a tradition that doesn’t really resonate with me. Sure, I’ve set a couple goals in the past but I’ve never acted on them all that well. Whatever my specific resolution might be on New Year’s Eve, by mid-January it no longer seems all that important. Either I set my sights on something far too lofty, or it simply ceases to be all that interesting.

However, in recent years I’ve jumped on the word of the year bandwagon, and somehow find this slight twist on the New Year resolution much more effective. Perhaps it is because it feels less like a goal (and certainly not measurable) and more like an intention that I can simply return to when I run astray.

In 2023 my word was authentic – something I’m still striving for, at least emotionally. (Have I mentioned recently that I tend to hide my feelings, even from myself?) Last year, my word was balance. I learned to set better boundaries at work and with my social life as well. I learned that if someone asks me for help, I can say no even if I have the time available on my calendar – sometimes those open blocks of time are self-care opportunities.

For 2025 I’ve chosen the word connection.

I wish to connect better with myself and notice all those things inside that I have a tendency to ignore – my thoughts and emotions, and even my physical experiences. I live with chronic pain, for example, and tend to ignore my body signals. My pain was worsening, and I did not acknowledge it or even mention it to my PCP until November, when it began to gravely affect my sleep. I’m still waiting for an appointment with a pain specialist. I have now added significant and ongoing sleep deprivation to my list of symptoms. Sleep is important for pain management as well as emotional balance. Had I been better connected to myself I would have asked for help before the pain became so severe.

I wish to connect better socially. A good friend recently asked me what was on my heart today, and after I replied thoughtfully, we discussed the fact that when prompted with “How are you?” we usually answer with the things we’ve done that day. I want to connect on a deeper level with my family and friends. I want to know what’s on their heart, and be brave enough to share what’s on mine.

I wish to connect better with whatever higher energy is out there. In 2024 I stepped up my meditation practice, and I will continue to nurture this commitment. I need to step up my prayer life as well. I don’t believe in God in the same way that some religious folks do, but I theoretically believe in the power of prayer. In early recovery I was asked if I believed in the power of positive thought, and I when I replied that I did so believe, it was suggested that I think of prayer as positive thoughts said out loud. My sense of prayer has changed from those early days, and it’s not always positive. Sometimes it’s raw and ugly – an honest conversation with the Universe. I need this connection.

Lastly, I wish to better connect with you – my readers. It’s been months since I’ve posted a blog entry. Writing brings me clarity and hope. When you tell me that something I’ve shared meant something to you, it’s like warm sunshine in my soul. That I could find words for some truth that touches some other human being? It’s the best feeling I can get!