Not sure about you, but for me, 2023 was not my best year by a long shot. Frankly, it was horrible. There were many unexpected situations that led to unfamiliar consequences. In addition, I was not proud of some of my lifestyle choices. I ate the wrong things, didn’t get enough sleep, and did not prioritize my joy and happiness.
Every year around this time so many people make declarations or resolutions, whichever word you prefer to use. However, by the 3rd or 4th week in the new year, these lofty goals have fallen by the wayside. What would happen if we were more intentional about what we really wanted…
My sister who works as a social worker often leads groups in creating vision boards. For someone like myself who is a self-described Type A personality, participating in such an activity would normally not be my thing. However, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Therefore, after 2023 kicked my butt, I was willing to try something new. I sat down and created a vision board.
Vision boards are pictures, statements, quotes or anything that is a physical reminder to you of your goals. They are visual notices that inspire the manifestation of your dreams which could be more than material things. It could be emotions such as love, a change in marital status, or pregnancy. I like to think of these boards as a conversation with yourself where you are honest and open. Only you know what is in your heart and mind and what you genuinely desire.
You may be asking yourself, what does any of this have to do with health? Every year around this time so many people make declarations or resolutions, whichever word you prefer to use. However, by the 3rd or 4th week in the new year, these lofty goals have fallen by the wayside. What would happen if we were more intentional about what we really wanted for not only our physical goals but mental, spiritual, and other categories as well.
For instance, I placed an anonymous quote on my vision board that states: “Collect moments NOT things.” Prior to the Christmas holiday, my husband and daughters kept asking me what I wanted. I told them nothing because I truly could not think of any material item that I needed or desired. I would rather collect precious memories like spending a weekend with my family and friends where we played games and laughed until we cried. I’m older now and realize that I have less years ahead of me than behind. I don’t have time to waste on trinkets that I can’t take with me to the grave.
Now, speaking of time, if I don’t want my time on this earth shortened, I must take care of this precious temple that was gifted to me. With that in my mind, we should all include in our goals specific ways to honor our bodies. For me, that is sleeping more than six hours per night. (At this present moment I am writing this column at 12 AM. So obviously, I need work in this area.) Other goals could include eating foods that are not in packages, cans, or containers. Maybe a goal could be to invite a friend to go walking instead of going to a restaurant. There are so many ways we could implement changes in our routines that could be sustainable for 2024.
So, I challenge each of you to create a vision board. Let’s create a daily reminder of what is really important to us. 2024 can be better if we put in the necessary work to make it happen!
Denise Hooks-Anderson, MD, FAAFP can be reached at yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com.