As we approach the two-week mark of 2018, many of us are assessing those resolutions we committed to, or at least considered committing to. Yet finding balance takes time, which is challenging for an overachieving female small business owner who is short on time (oh, I could go on and on about my to-do list!). But just as it’s not uncommon to set the New Year bar ambitiously high, it’s also not uncommon to see a few of those resolutions fall by the wayside. And in truth, it doesn’t much matter if you drop the proverbial ball but what does matter is whether you are showing yourself compassion!  

After one of the busiest years of my life (2017 tested me in so many ways), I’m ready to take my own advice. So, I am dedicated to making 2018… 

The year of realistic resolutions coupled with grace, compassion, and self-care.  

Many of us are leaning in and prioritizing vitality and wellness. Here’s a list of a few things I do (and vow to do more of) that keep my cup full!   

• Start my day outside. Most of my days begin with walking all or some of our pack of four dogs. I find that it's a great way to start the day and has become something of a ritual for me. Waking up, slipping on a pair of shoes, and stepping outside to breathe in the morning air is the perfect recipe for pure, uninterrupted thought. It allows me to make space for myself and think about the day ahead.

• Take Hikes. If you know me, you know that I have a holistic and deep relationship with nature. It’s my solace, my reprieve, my plain-and-simple happy place. I’ve spent time with my favorite people on hikes, looked upon some of the most awe-inspiring sights on hikes, and certainly pondered some of my deepest thoughts on hikes. [*If you find yourself in the Tucson area, you must check out my favorite hike of all- Pima Canyon.] 

• Garden. The act of nurturing a plant from seed to full growth is a wonderful journey. There are a number of metaphors that compare the process of gardening to that of leading a gentle, intentional life. There’s no doubt that concocting a nutrient-rich soil, watering it appropriately, and providing proper sunlight is a graceful labor of love. I have three small raised-bed garden boxes, and am currently growing cool weather vegetables. Because we’re blessed here in Tucson with a warmer climate, I’m able to enjoy 3 full growing seasons (and respectfully bow out of summer gardening as it can be brutally hot)! 

• Read in the sunshine. I absolutely adore sunshine and thanks to Tucson’s truly splendid placement, I experience a bounty of it most every day. Enjoying a good book outdoors while getting my dose of vitamin D? I call that a win-win! Lately, I’ve been enjoying Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng (love the bohemian artist mother in this story, not to mention it’s set in the late 1990s, as I was coming of age). 

• Take a nap. Whoever said that napping isn’t good for you must have used a really lumpy pillow because I love a good siesta! And while I don’t necessarily take daily naps, I do believe that there’s incredible healing and restorative benefits that come from a daytime snooze. In fact! The National Sleep Foundation enthusiastically shares the pros of napping, stating that, “...a short nap of 20-30 minutes can help to improve mood, alertness and performance.” And considering the fact that Da Vinci, Dali, and Einstein were all known for napping, I’d say I’m in good company.  

• Nourish myself. When I want to get back to homeostasis and ground down, I take a moment to sit with myself and truly listen to what my body needs. Certain days it's more protein for sustained energy, some days it’s a juice or veggies, and still other days I simply need comfort food like chocolate or gelato. I believe that everything we put into our bodies influences the way we feel physically, cognitively, and emotionally. I also know that everyone’s gut biome is different so allowing your “gut” the opportunity to tell you what is right – or wrong – for you is one of the simplest ways you can take care of yourself.    

• Organize. You may not have seen this one coming but it’s a must for me. When jewelry orders are rolling in, new pieces are in the works, there’s an art fair every weekend, and a full family schedule, not much is as gratifying as a good organization session! The whole process does wonders to help me re-center. I can take stock of what's going on with the business and my personal life and more clearly prioritize how to move forward. 

How do you intend to take good care of yourself in this New Year?